Indian Pink – Spigelia marilandica

by hankinslawrenceimages | Jun 27, 2012 | Flowers, Loganiaceae Family, Wildflowers

© 2012 Patty Hankins

Indian Pinks (Spigelia marilandica) add a spectacular splash of red and yellow to the late spring landscape. A wildflower native to the southeastern and midwestern sections of the United States, Indian Pinks are fairly easy to grow in home gardens.

© 2012 Patty Hankins

The bright red and yellow trumpet shaped flowers are known for attracting hummingbirds. The day I photographed some of these Indian Pinks, there were several hummingbirds in the area. It was fascinating seeing them fly up to the blossoms, hover and reach in for the nectar.

© 2012 Patty Hankins

Indian Pinks grow to about two feet tall. The dark green foliage maintains its color and leaves all season long. In the spring, the flowers appear on a red spike of trumpet shaped flowers with five yellow lobes at the tip.

© 2012 Patty Hankins

Indian Pinks are hardy to Zone 5. They prefer in partial shade in moist fertile soil. I have seen them growing in areas ranging from full sun to just about full shade. It’s not uncommon to find them growing in wooded areas.

© 2012 Patty Hankins

Indian Pink has been used for medicinal purposes over the years. Several Native American tribes used it to treat worms and as a general vermifuge. European settlers used it as a laxative and a cough remendy. Closely related to strychnine, ingestion of Indian Pinks can cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat and dimmed vision.

© 2012 Patty Hankins

More information about Indian Pink can be found at

Dave’s Garden

Glick Pick Archives

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Native American Ethnobotany Index

USDA Plant Profiles 

© 2012 Patty Hankins