Indian Pinknative
Spigelia marilandica · Loganiaceae
Field guide
Indian pink is a clump-forming woodland perennial of the southeastern US, 12–24 in. tall, with glossy opposite leaves and one-sided cymes of upward-facing tubular flowers that are brilliant crimson outside and flare into a yellow five-pointed star within. It blooms May–June just as spring ephemerals fade, providing a key nectar source for ruby-throated hummingbirds, its primary pollinator. It prefers part to full shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Deer avoid its toxic foliage; a well-grown clump can carry 75+ flowering stems.
Gardener's notes
Tuck Indian pink into dappled shade with rich, evenly moist soil and let it clump up—it gets showier every year. Snip off spent spikes to coax a lighter second flush. Hummingbirds find it fast, so site it where you can watch.
Ecology
- Pollinators: ruby-throated hummingbird (primary)
- Birds: hummingbird nectar
Care this season
- Deadheading: light prune after the first flush prolongs bloom and may trigger a rebloom
- Toxicity: roots toxic (spigeline alkaloid); historic vermifuge
Meaning
Genus honors anatomist Adriaan van den Spiegel (1578–1625); marilandica = "of Maryland." Cherokee and Creek used the root as a "worm tea" vermifuge—hence wormgrass. Georgia NPS Plant of the Year 2016. An underused shade-loving hummingbird magnet.
Sources
- Spigelia marilandica — Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Spigelia marilandica — Clemson HGIC
- Spigelia marilandica — Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes: Hummingbird is the documented PRIMARY pollinator; nectar source, NOT a larval host.