Introduction to Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
Walking in the South Carolina Botanical Garden in mid-May I am often stopped in my tracks by this stunning sight: a gorgeous clump of Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica). This dramatic perennial wildflower lights up the area, the bright yellow interior of each tubular flower contrasts with the deep red of the outside. Every flower opens into the most perfect buttery yellow five-pointed star. There is the promise of many flowers to come over the coming month or more as the plant is covered in buds. This clump of Indian Pink is below the Hunt Cabin in the Garden at the edge of the woodland in a fairly sunny spot with some light shade. In nature, this plant is found in rich, moist woodlands and along streams.
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica).
Sue Watts, ©2025 SC Botanical Garden, Clemson University
A Hummingbird’s Favorite: Indian Pink as a Pollinator Plant
With these bright red flowers, it is not surprising that this plant is an excellent hummingbird attractor. In fact, according to Operation Rubythroat, Spigelia marilandica, is in their top ten list for attracting these birds. Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators, their beaks probe the deep-throated flowers, and, in the process, they brush against the anthers and stigma of each, fertilizing the plant. Bloom-time can be prolonged by removing the withered flowers and not allowing them to go to seed.
Historical Uses and Significance of Spigelia marilandica
Common names often give an insight into the history and uses of a plant. In this case, the less romantic common name for Indian Pink is worm grass. The Cherokee and Creek people both used the roots to cure intestinal worms and they passed this knowledge on to European settlers. In 1763, Dr. Alexander Garden of Charleston wrote to another doctor that “About forty years ago, the anthelmintic* virtues of the root of this plant were discovered by the Indians; since which time it has been much used here by physicians, practitioners, and planters ….” Subsequently, in American Medical Botany, 1817-1821, Jacob Bigelow reported that:
“The medicinal reputation of the Spigelia is founded on the powers which it is supposed to possess as a vermifuge. This reputation is now so generally established, that the plant has become a considerable article of commerce to various parts of the world, from our southern states.”
Medicinal Uses: A Look Back at Spigelia’s History
In Medical Flora, written by C.S. Rafinesque, and published in 1830, he suggested broader uses for the plant as a “narcotic, vermifuge, sedative, cathartic, and febrifuge [effective against fever].” He noted that unlike most worm treatments, Spigelia was much more palatable to children. In fact, it was such a popular medical treatment that it was becoming scarce in the wild by 1830. The alkaloids chemicals which made the plant medicinal, are toxic and can cause sickness and death if taken in the wrong dose.
Spigelia marilandica in the Garden: Growing and Cultivation Tips
Spigelia marilandica is a long-lived perennial and is easily grown from seeds and cuttings.
How to Grow Spigelia marilandica from Seed or Cutting
This plant has explosive seed dispersal, so seed collection might necessitate some additional care. This plant has gained great popularity in Europe, with one British nursery growing and selling over 2 million plants! It is increasingly being offered in the U.S. nursery trade as a beautiful and versatile plant for the garden.
*Something that is anthelmintic is destructive to parasitic worms and is also known as a vermifugal.
References
- Henriette’s Herbal Homepage: Spigelia marilandica
- Native American Ethnobotany Database: Spigelia marilandica
- Bulletin of the Lloyd Library of Botany, Pharmacy, and Materia Medica
- Henriette’s Herbal Homepage: Pinkroot. Spigelia marilandica. L.
- Henriette’s Herbal Homepage: Spigelia marilandica. Perennial Worm-Grass or Indian Pink
