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Native Plant Society of Texas

Indian Pink

Spigelia marilandica

Other common name(s):

Woodlan Pinkroot, Pinkroot

Family:

Loganiaceae (Pinkroot Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Flatwoods

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

0
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Very Low, Low

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red, Yellow, Green

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees

Maintenance

Flowering can be prolonged by removing the flowers as they wither. Native habitat: moist woods and thickets. Withstands a fair amount of a shade. Deer and rabbit resistant. Propagation: seed, root division.

Comments

Blooms March-June. An erect, clump-forming plant with lance-shaped opposite leaves. Blooms from the bottom upwards. The trumpet-shaped flower is a narrow tube, yellow-green on the inside, and bright red on the outside. The fruit is a capsule.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment It is recommended that seed be sown immediately after collection to ensure high percentage germination. Blossoms open one at a time, and seed formation follows the same sequence. A piece of netting tied over green seed capsules will retain seeds as they ripen and fall out. 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPMA3 2) https://nursery-crop-extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/content/spigelia-marilandica-propagation#:~:text=J.%20C.%20Raulston%20(1990)%20stated%20%E2%80%9C,in%20a%20minimally%20heated%20greenhouse. 3) https://nursery-crop-extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/content/spigelia-marilandica-propagation#:~:text=J.%20C.%20Raulston%20(1990)%20stated%20%E2%80%9C,in%20a%20minimally%20heated%20greenhouse.
Clump Division Some, but not all, divisions will bloom the first year. Dividing in the spring when the plants are late growing and there is adequate time to spring divide. Planting in the fall allows time for root development to limit frost heaving damage. Late fall-divided plants (after fall equinox) can be containerized and placed; in a white plastic covered quonset structure or under microfoam for overwintering. It can also be divided in the spring. This plant produces a dense fibrous root system. The root system density requires cutting the plants apart with a sharp knife or pruners to separate the divisions. https://nursery-crop-extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/content/spigelia-marilandica-propagation#:~:text=J.%20C.%20Raulston%20(1990)%20stated%20%E2%80%9C,in%20a%20minimally%20heated%20greenhouse.
Stem Cutting Take tip cuttings every 8 weeks from stock plants maintained in a regulated greenhouse environment. It is recommended to grow on the rooted cuttings in the same environment to improve root development. Taking 2-3 node tip cuttings from non-flowering stems; apply 2000-3000 ppm IBA liquid; root in a well-drained medium; direct stick in small pots, root and grow in 50% shade; and overwinter in a minimally heated greenhouse. Perlite based rooting media: 2:1 perlite to spaghnum peat or 4:1 perlite to peat can be used. Tip cuttings should be taken from plants that have not flowered; the taking of cuttings keeps the plants from flowering making it possible to harvest cuttings two or three times before the plants stop growing in the fall. https://nursery-crop-extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/content/spigelia-marilandica-propagation#:~:text=J.%20C.%20Raulston%20(1990)%20stated%20%E2%80%9C,in%20a%20minimally%20heated%20greenhouse.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason