Plant of the Week
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica L.)
By Larry Stritch
Indian Pink is an uncommon native wildflower that grows in rich, moist woods and along wooded stream banks in the greater southeastern United States.
Indian Pink is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial reaching a height of 12 to 18 inches. The leaves are emerald green, ovate to lance shaped, opposite each other along the stem and do not possess leaf stalks (pedicels). Indian Pink is one of our most attractive wildflowers. The inflorescence is a one-sided cyme of upward facing brilliant red tubular flowers that are constricted near the top of the flower where it then flares out to reveal 5 short tips that are that reveal a bright yellow interior. Pink Root flowers in late spring during May and early June. Indian Pink belongs to the tropical Logania family (Loganaceae). There are many other species in this genus; most are either tropical or short-lived annuals.
The native plant nursery trade has taken some interest in cultivating Indian Pink because it is perennial, will grow in shade, has a fairly long blooming period and is pollinated by hummingbirds. It is easily grown in average, medium wet well-drained soil in full to partial shade. An internet search using the plants common name and or scientific name will lead you to several nursery sources.