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Carlton, M. W.
Sabatia campestris Nutt.
Texas star, Rose gentian, Meadow pink, Prairie rose-gentian, Prairie sabatia
Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
USDA Symbol: SACA3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Texas-star or prairie rose-gentian is a smooth perennial, to 20 in., with slender, widely spaced branches. The 2 in. flower is five-petaled and pink with a yellow center. The showy flowers occur at ends of branches and on long axillary stalks. Opposite leaves clasp the stems.
Texas-star usually forms large colonies by readily self-seeding.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Flower: Petals 5
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PinkBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: Flowers are usually deep pink but occasionally purplish pink to white.
Distribution
USA: AR , CT , IA , IL , KS , LA , ME , MO , MS , OK , TXNative Distribution: IL & KS, s. to MS & e. TX
Native Habitat: Sandy prairies; cedar-oak flats; woodland edges; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry or moist, sandy soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam.
Conditions Comments: Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in late summer or early autumn in sand or loam. Best with summer water when blooming. Once started, will self sow and develop into large colonies of pink stars. Meadow pink usually forms large colonies by readily self-seeding.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Wildflower meadow, Can be mowed, Garden, Blooms ornamental, Color, Perennial gardenConspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsDescription: Plant seeds early in fall and do not cover.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
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From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.
Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Sabatia campestris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Sabatia campestris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sabatia campestris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-18Research By: DEW, JSC
