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Pinkroot Spigelia marilandica

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
spy-GEEL-ee-ah mar-i-LAND-ih-ka
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Erect, rarely branched, perennial wildflower. It is drought tolerant. Blooms that appear in June attract hummingbirds. Source of strychnine poison. This plant is found naturally in forests in circumneutral soils.

Indian Pink is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 2 to 3 feet tall. The leaves are opposite with an entire margin. Red and yellow flowers first appear in late spring.

This plant is classified as a NC threatened species.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Seasons of Interest:

     Bloom: Late Spring to Summer; Fruit/Seed/Nut: Late Summer

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Shady Garden in Cabarrus County
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#cultivars#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#poisonous#fire low flammability#NC native#native garden#native wildflower#food source nectar#Audubon#perennial#wildflower#herb garden#wildlife friendly#th-sight
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#cultivars#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#poisonous#fire low flammability#NC native#native garden#native wildflower#food source nectar#Audubon#perennial#wildflower#herb garden#wildlife friendly#th-sight
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Spigelia
    Species:
    marilandica
    Family:
    Loganiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee
    Fire Risk Rating:
    low flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.
    Play Value:
    Wildlife Food Source
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    fire in the landscape.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 4 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herb
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Fruits are available June-July
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Description:
    Cluster of terminal on one side of the stem, 2 to 12 vivid red tubular flowers with yellow interior; tips of the five pointed petals flare slightly backwards; stamens and style project beyond the petals; This plant blooms May-June.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Four to seven pairs of 2 to 4 in. sessile, opposite, ovate or entire leaves
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Attracts:
    Hummingbirds
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Fire
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Dim vision, vomiting, dilated pupils, twitching of face, culvulsions
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloid spigiline
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Seeds
    Stems