Sabatia angularis aka Rose Pink

Sabatia angularis is a biennial wildflower in the gentian family. Common names include rose pink, rose gentian, and bitter bloom. It grows in temperate parts of North America. Kew places its native range in the central and eastern United States. Other sources extend its range from Ontario to New Mexico and Florida. It lives in open woods, thickets, fields, prairies, and meadows. It also grows in marshes, on ridges, and along roadsides. Wild plants often grow in acid soil.

Garden plants reach 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 2 feet [0.61 metres]. Seeds sprout in spring and form a dense basal rosette. The plant sends up branched flower stems in its second year. These upright stems have four clear angles near their base. Green leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each egg-shaped leaf has a heart-shaped base that clasps the stem. The leaves measure about 0.06–0.13 feet [0.018–0.038 metres] long. They lack hairs, and the stems have no scent.

Flowers open from June through September and have a sweet scent. Each pink bloom has five petals around a greenish-yellow star-shaped centre. The flowers are about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Their clusters branch in opposite pairs, like the leaves. Small seed capsules follow the flowers. Each capsule holds many tiny seeds that wind scatters when ripe. Plants can seed themselves freely in gardens. Successive generations may form colonies that bloom year after year. This can make a biennial planting seem like a perennial one.

Grow rose pink in full sun or partial shade. It does best where soil drains well and receives moderate water. Missouri Botanical Garden lists it for USDA zones 6–9. It needs little routine care. Plants For A Future suggests sowing fresh seed in late summer or early autumn. Its seed-sowing guidance calls for moist soil in a shaded spot. Woodland borders and native gardens suit this wildflower. Its summer flowers provide colour and scent, and attract butterflies. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major insect or disease issues.

Plants For A Future records a tea made from the plant. It does not name the plant part used. The same source describes past use as a bitter tonic. It also records an infusion used for menstrual pain. These are reports of use, not proof of benefit or safety. The source lists no known hazards, but gives no specific pet-safety information.