Wormgrass 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
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Poisonous
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Fruits are available June-July
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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.
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Attracts:
- Hummingbirds
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Fire
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
