Spigelia marilandica aka Indian Pink

Spigelia marilandica is a wildflower that lives for many years. Its names include Indian pink and pinkroot. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family. Its native range spans the east-central and southeastern United States. It grows from Illinois south to Florida and west to Texas. Wild plants grow in woods and beside streams. Some records also place it on dry woodland edges. North Carolina lists it as threatened within the state.

Plants grow in upright clumps with few branches and stiff stems. Garden plants reach 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.5–1.5 feet [0.15–0.46 metres]. They grow at a moderate pace. Green leaves grow in pairs across from each other. They have no leaf stalks. Their edges are smooth, and their surface is glossy. Leaves range from oval to lance-shaped, like a spear tip. They reach about 0.33 feet [0.10 metres] long. The plant sheds its leaves instead of keeping them year-round.

Red, tube-shaped flowers open in May and June. Each has a yellow centre and five pointed lobes. These lobes spread out at the tube's mouth. Flower clusters grow along one side of the stem. The stamens and style reach past the petals. Blooms open in turn, starting lower in the cluster. Hummingbirds drink nectar from the flowers. Bloom lasts about a month. Cutting off spent blooms can make this season last longer. Seed capsules with two cells form after the flowers. They release seeds during June and July.

Grow Indian pink in partial shade or full shade. It prefers moist soil that drains well. The soil should have plenty of organic matter. Acid soil suits it. Wild plants also grow near neutral pH. It tolerates wet soil and spells of drought. One garden source lists dry soil as suitable. Sources give its hardiness as USDA zones 5–9. It needs little care and has few serious pest problems. It also has few serious disease problems. Gardeners can grow it from seed or stem cuttings. They can also divide plants.

Its small form suits the front of shaded borders. It fits gardens of woodland plants, wildflowers, or native plants. Cut stems supply fresh flowers for display indoors. There are no known edible uses. All plant parts carry poison warnings. Eating it can cause vomiting or changes in vision. It can also cause twitching or convulsions. Reports describe its use as medicine against worms in the gut. Those reports also warn that it is toxic. Such use does not make it safe to eat.