Mountain Phlox (Phlox austromontana), family Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
This species is one of about 65 in the genus Phlox. A couple of botanical keys from Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope helped to confirm the identity of this species. Membrane between the calyx lobes distinctly convex-keeled in the lower half - leaves steely green, slender, stiffish and sharp pointed, and leaves not crowded. USES:
There are the following recorded uses by native american tribes of the plant, per Native American Ethnobotany: Havasupai Drug (Antirheumatic (External) Decoction of pounded roots rubbed all over the body for aches and colds. (Gastrointestinal Aid) Decoction of pounded roots given to babies with stomachaches. Navajo, Kayenta Drug (Toothache Remedy) Crushed plant placed in cavity for toothaches.
Flower
Plant location: Along a roadside heading to Cottonwood Pass (Grandby) Colorado. Sighted on May 27, 2009. Per WIKIPEDIA:'It is native to the southwestern United States and Baja California, where it grows in forested and wooded mountain habitat, scrub, and open areas. It is a mat-forming perennial herb growing in patches of very short stems.' End quote. The plants are found in these United States:(AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT). Plant
Bloom season: All through summer. Our specimen was in bloom in late spring with some flowers already fading.Foliage
Cottonwood Pass - Grandby - Colorado - May 27, 2009
Highly zoomed shots of calyx. The bottom calyx in the shot shows the membrane between the calyx lobes is distinctly convex-keeled in it's lower half, an identifying characteristic of the species.
Cottonwood Pass - Grandby - Colorado - May 27, 2009
The beautiful patch of phlox was in great company - note the presence of Columbine, Larkspur, and a buttercup species.
Mountain Phlox (Phlox austromontana), family Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
USES:
There are the following recorded uses by native american tribes of the plant, per Native American Ethnobotany: Havasupai Drug (Antirheumatic (External) Decoction of pounded roots rubbed all over the body for aches and colds. (Gastrointestinal Aid) Decoction of pounded roots given to babies with stomachaches. Navajo, Kayenta Drug (Toothache Remedy) Crushed plant placed in cavity for toothaches.
Flower 
Plant location: Along a roadside heading to Cottonwood Pass (Grandby) Colorado. Sighted on May 27, 2009. Per WIKIPEDIA: 'It is native to the southwestern United States and Baja California, where it grows in forested and wooded mountain habitat, scrub, and open areas. It is a mat-forming perennial herb growing in patches of very short stems.' End quote. The plants are found in these United States:(AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT). Plant 
Bloom season: All through summer. Our specimen was in bloom in late spring with some flowers already fading.Foliage 
Cottonwood Pass - Grandby - Colorado - May 27, 2009
Cottonwood Pass - Grandby - Colorado - May 27, 2009