Clumps of Indian Pinks (Spigelia marilandica) carpet moist rich woodland slopes of the Florida Panhandle north to Illinois. In spring, the stems are topped by a one-sided spike of bright red trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. The flower’s five petals form a star that flares out to reveal the contrasting yellow interior. Also known as wormgrass because it was used to treat parasitic worms, the toxic plant was collected for the pharmaceutical industry until the twentieth century. The genus honors Flemish anatomist and botanist Adriaan van der Spieghel.
Spigelia
gentianoides
