Is this in the same family as birdsfoot violet that grows in dry, sandy soil?i
Hi Mary,
no, this is not a violet but the color can be a little similar. This is one of our species of wild phlox, and yours is likely Phlox nivalis. Some call it moss pink. We have several kinds of wild phlox here, and the one in dry sandy soil usually has somewhat small almost needle like leaves. Others grow in shaded wet woodlands and have much wider, softer leaves but the flowers are remarkably similar. They can grow in very colorful large patches on sunny roadside slopes.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS