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Spigelia marilandica
Spigelia marilandica (L.) L.
Woodland Pinkroot, Pinkroot, Indian Pink
Loganiaceae (Logania Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SPMA3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Woodland Pinkroot or Indian Pink is an, erect, clump-forming perennial, 12-28 in. tall, with 4-7 pairs of lance-shaped leaves along a wiry stem. Leaves are opposite, 1-4 inches long, tapering to a point. Each stem bears a terminal, one-sided spike of deep-red to scarlet, tubular flowers - each ending in five yellow lobes. The flower clusters grow along the last 2 inches or so of the 4-sided stem, which is curved downward at the top. Trumpet-shaped, the flower is a narrow tube, 1 1/2 inches long, ending in 5 petal-like lobes, yellow-green on the inside and bright red on the outside of the tube.
This plant does very well in gardens. It blooms from the bottom upward and the flowering season can be prolonged by removing the flowers as they wither.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 28 inches tall.
Flower: Flowers 2 inches
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , OK , SC , TN , TX , VANative Distribution: KY, s. IL & s. MO, s. to FL & e. TX
Native Habitat: Shaded woods, Open woodlands, Woodlands' edge, Opening
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, sandy, fertile soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Acid-based
Conditions Comments: Bloom period can be prolonged by removing flowers as they wither. Indian pink withstands a fair amount of shade. It does not compete well with aggressive plants.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Bog or pond area, Water gardenUse Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsDescription: Propagate by spring-sown seed or by root division.
Seed Collection: Blossoms open one at a time, and seed formation follows the same sequence. A piece of netting tied over green seed capsules will retain seeds as they ripen and fall out. Store dry.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiBibref 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
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Spigelia marilandica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Spigelia marilandica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Spigelia marilandica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-28Research By: TWC Staff