Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Spigelia Marilandica — Overview
Spigelia marilandica, commonly known as Indian Pink, Pinkroot, or Wormgrass, is a strikingly beautiful herbaceous perennial native to the diverse ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Belonging to the Loganiaceae family, this captivating woodland plant is celebrated for its unique morphology. It features vibrant, tubular, scarlet-red flowers that boast a distinctive star-shaped yellow throat, blooming profusely from late spring through early summer.
These eye-catching blossoms are arranged in terminal, one-sided cymes, typically facing upward to reveal their intricate centers. The plant grows to an average height of 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) and forms attractive, well-behaved clumps, expanding gradually over time. Its foliage consists of lance-shaped, opposite, dark green leaves, which provide a lush backdrop for the brilliant flowers.
Indian Pink thrives naturally in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils found in forested slopes, moist woods, and along stream banks. Its native range extends from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Illinois and Texas, making it adaptable to USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
This resilient perennial is a prized specimen for native plant gardens, shade gardens, and woodland borders, where its dramatic floral display offers a vivid splash of color and attracts vital pollinators, particularly hummingbirds. Despite its ornamental appeal, Spigelia marilandica is classified as a threatened or endangered species in some parts of its native habitat due to ongoing habitat loss, underscoring the importance of its conservation.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Spigelia marilandica
1.1 Wikipedia — Spigelia marilandica
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Spigelia Marilandica should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Spigelia Marilandica — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Striking Ornamental</strong> — Features vibrant, tubular scarlet-red flowers with star-shaped yellow throats, blooming in late spring to early summer.
- ✓ <strong>Native Perennial</strong> — Indigenous to the southeastern United States, thriving in woodland and shaded garden environments.
- ✓ <strong>Hummingbird Magnet</strong> — Its brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- ✓ <strong>Potent Anthelmintic (Historical)</strong> — Historically renowned and widely used as a powerful vermifuge for expelling intestinal parasites.
- ✓ <strong>Highly Toxic</strong> — Contains the potent and dangerous alkaloid spigeline, making all parts of the plant, especially the root, highly poisonous if ingested.
- ✓ <strong>Low Maintenance</strong> — An easy-to-grow plant requiring minimal care once established, suitable for various garden types.
- ✓ <strong>Shade Loving</strong> — Prefers partial to full shade and consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
- ✓ <strong>Clumping Growth Habit</strong> — Forms attractive clumps of upright stems with lance-shaped, dark green leaves.
- ✓ <strong>Ethnobotanical Significance</strong> — Holds a rich history in Native American and early American traditional medicine.
- ✓ <strong>Conservation Concern</strong> — Classified as a threatened or endangered species in certain parts of its native range due to habitat loss.
1.2.Spigelia Marilandica — Quick Summary
- ✓ Spigelia marilandica is a highly toxic herbaceous perennial native to the southeastern United States, known for its striking red and yellow tubular flowers.
- ✓ Historically, it was a potent anthelmintic (vermifuge) used by Native Americans and early American physicians to expel intestinal parasites.
- ✓ Its toxicity stems primarily from the indole alkaloid spigeline, which can cause severe neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal effects.
- ✓ Modern internal use is strictly contraindicated without expert medical supervision due to its narrow therapeutic window and potential for fatal overdose.
- ✓ Primarily valued today as an ornamental plant in native gardens, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators, and for botanical research.
- ✓ Requires moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, thriving in USDA zones 5-9.
2.Spigelia Marilandica — Scientific Identity
3.Spigelia Marilandica — Quick Facts
4.Spigelia Marilandica — Appearance & Identification
5.Spigelia Marilandica — Native Habitat
6.Spigelia Marilandica — Water Requirements
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils with a high organic content and a slightly acidic pH, though it tolerates various soil textures with good drainage.
- ✓ Light Conditions — Prefers partial to full shade, particularly in warmer climates, with dappled morning sun being ideal; can tolerate more sun in cooler regions if soil moisture is consistent.
- ✓ Watering Regimen — Requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season for optimal health and flowering, but it is drought-tolerant once established; avoid prolonged waterlogging.
- ✓ Planting Time & Spacing — Best planted in spring or fall, allowing 12-18 inches between plants to accommodate its clumping growth habit and eventual spread of one to two feet wide.
- ✓ Hardiness Zones — Successfully cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, demonstrating good tolerance to both heat and moderate winter cold.
- ✓ Maintenance — Considered a low-maintenance perennial, requiring minimal intervention once established; deadheading spent blooms can encourage sporadic reblooming into late summer.
- ✓ Pest and Disease Resistance — Generally resistant to most common pests and diseases, though it may occasionally encounter issues with aphids or botrytis under specific environmental conditions.
- ✓ Organic Matter — Benefits significantly from generous topdressing with compost at planting, especially in poor soils, to improve aeration, moisture retention, drainage, and nutrient availability.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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