Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) Spigelia marilandica
Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) (Spigelia marilandica) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Loganiaceae family, native to Rich woods and stream banks of the south-eastern United States. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Loganiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rich woods and stream banks of the south-eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: roots, all parts
The root was once used against intestinal worms but is poisonous in overdose (spigeline); do not eat any part.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Indian pink (woodland pinkroot)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Indian pink (woodland pinkroot)
- How far apart should I plant Indian pink (woodland pinkroot)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Indian pink (woodland pinkroot)?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) flower?
- From about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Indian pink (woodland pinkroot) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. The root was once used against intestinal worms but is poisonous in overdose (spigeline); do not eat any part.
- What grows well with Indian pink (woodland pinkroot)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Indian pink (woodland pinkroot). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Upright, scarlet tubular flowers that open at the tip into a yellow, five-pointed star, lined along one side of the stem in early summer; a hummingbird favourite for part shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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