Spigelia marilandica
(American Wormroot, Indian Pink, Maryland Pinkroot,  Starbloom, Woodland Pinkroot, Worm Grass, Wormweed)

Origin:  Native to southeastern United States
Family:  Loganiaceae
Light:  Light-full shade
Height:  1-2'
Spacing:  18"
Blooms:  2" long, red with bright yellow linings, tubular, opens to a 5-pointed star at tip, late Spring
Foliage:  2-4" long, herbaceous, opposite, alternate, somewhat ovate, pointed tip
Soil:  Various soil types, well-drained, rich, moist, mildly acidic
Water:  Moderate
Uses:  Perennial, hummingbird garden,  shade garden, container, woodland setting
Propagation:  Rootball divisions, tip cuttings, seeds
Caution:  Parts of plant poisonous - not edible

Comments:  Spigelia marilandica or American Wormroot or Indian Pink or Maryland Pinkroot or Starbloom or Woodland Pinkroot or Worm Grass or Wormweed is a perennial herbal plant with a low, rhizomatous growth habit.  It is a native of southeastrn United States.  In late Spring, Spigelia marilandica produces ornamental crimson red tubular blossoms with bright yellow linings, borne on purple stems.  This is followed later by seeds.  Ruby-throated hummingbirds are magnetized by the nectar-rich blossoms.  Maryland Pinkroot  is easily propagated from tip stem cuttings, seeds or rootball divisions.  It thrives in  various soil types including well-drained, rich,  moist, mildly acidic soil in a  part to full shade environment.  Wormroot is low maintenance and  is deer resistant.  Woodland Pinkroot  self sows readily by exploding its capsules and dispersing the seeds. Harvest ripe capsules when they turn black at the top and greenish-black at the bottom. Remove spent blossoms for repeated blooms in a few weeks. Mass plant Worm Grass for a spectacular display in the shade garden or in a woodland setting.  In its natural habitat, American Wormroot are often found growing along roadsides.  Spigelia marilandica was used as a herb by native American Indians by harvesting the brownish fresh roots at end of flowering season or dried and stored for later use in treating roundworms and tapeworms.  Worm Grass is not edible as research has shown that usage can cause adverse side effects. 

 
USDA Zones: 5-9

JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of Spigelia marilandica (American Wormroot, Indian Pink,  Maryland Pinkroot, Starbloom, Wormweed) growing in Jenny's Garden

Image of hummingbird attractor, Spigelia marilandica or American Wormroot or Indian Pink or Maryland Pinkroot or Starbloom or Woodland Pinkroot or Worm Grass or Wormweed coming soon...