Slender Marsh Pink,
Sabatia campanulata
Marsh pink, one of my favorite wildflowers, happens to be in full-bloom right now. Its striking color seems to captivate those that lay eyes on it. To me, it is small remnant of my exploration of natural Florida and of self. It became something I saw often, yet knew so little about. In a way, I identified with it.
This special species is also known as Slender Rose Gentian, but for Florida, Marsh Pink seems to fit the bill a bit better. S. campanulata has a range that spans thousands of miles, all the way from South Florida to Massachusetts (although the environment is grows in here is becoming few and fare between). It is mainly a species found in the swamps of the southeastern United States.
This wildflower is characterized by its vibrant, yet soft pink petals and stunning yellow center, which creates the shape of a smaller flower. Petals are occasionally seen in white or red as well. The plant itself can grow anywhere from 15 to 60 cm tall. S. campanulata is classified as biennial species, as the plants do not last more than two years.
If you wish to seek out this beauty in its natural environment, now is the time to do so. Soon its flowers will be gone, leaving an ecosystem barren of the speckles of color it leaves dispersed throughout the landscape.
By: Maya Frere
This special species is also known as Slender Rose Gentian, but for Florida, Marsh Pink seems to fit the bill a bit better. S. campanulata has a range that spans thousands of miles, all the way from South Florida to Massachusetts (although the environment is grows in here is becoming few and fare between). It is mainly a species found in the swamps of the southeastern United States.
This wildflower is characterized by its vibrant, yet soft pink petals and stunning yellow center, which creates the shape of a smaller flower. Petals are occasionally seen in white or red as well. The plant itself can grow anywhere from 15 to 60 cm tall. S. campanulata is classified as biennial species, as the plants do not last more than two years.
If you wish to seek out this beauty in its natural environment, now is the time to do so. Soon its flowers will be gone, leaving an ecosystem barren of the speckles of color it leaves dispersed throughout the landscape.
By: Maya Frere