Fire pinks are a plant of drier forests that are savannah-like. They are short-lived plants that are picky about light and water conditions, but they are worth the effort, with otherworldly red petals and anthers covered in white pollen.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of these red flowers. The sepals are sticky possibly deterring ants from stealing pollen or nectar.
Fire pinks flower mid to late spring. Once pollinated, the ovary swells with growing seeds. The ovary then tips toward the ground and as it dries, opens at the top, spilling the seeds.
Plants that grow in the same habitat as fire pink are downy wood mint, Robin’s plantain, wood betony, yellow pimpernel, round-leaved hepatica, prairie alum root, two-flowered Cynthia and hairy beardtongue.
Fire Pink (Silene virginica)
Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Fire Pink
Height: 18-24 inches
Bloom time: May- June
Soil: well-draining, moist to dry
Sun: dappled light
Plant spacing: 12-18 inches
Life cycle: short-lived perennial
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Seed source: Midwest
Sizes:
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Fire pinks are a plant of drier forests that are savannah-like. They are short-lived plants that are picky about light and water conditions, but they are worth the effort, with otherworldly red petals and anthers covered in white pollen.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of these red flowers. The sepals are sticky possibly deterring ants from stealing pollen or nectar.
Fire pinks flower mid to late spring. Once pollinated, the ovary swells with growing seeds. The ovary then tips toward the ground and as it dries, opens at the top, spilling the seeds.
Plants that grow in the same habitat as fire pink are downy wood mint, Robin’s plantain, wood betony, yellow pimpernel, round-leaved hepatica, prairie alum root, two-flowered Cynthia and hairy beardtongue.
Fire Pink (Silene virginica)
Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Fire Pink
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