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Plant Profile

Gentian Pinkroot (Spigelia gentianoides)

This species got its name because it has flowers that resemble those in the gentain family, with upward-pointed flowers and lobes that open only slightly. Photo Credit: © Steve Shirah

Global Rank: G2 - Imperiled
Legal Status: N/A
Family: Loganiaceae
State: AL, FL
Nature Serve ID: 146115
Lifeform: Forb/herb
Date Inducted in National Collection: 04/04/1991

Description:

This species is a perennial herb with 1 - 3 stems up to 30 cm tall from a shallow, jointed, ascending rhizome. Stems are usually single, erect, slender but stiff, and maroon tinted. The opposite, sessile leaves are at right angles to the next set of leaves. The lowest leaves (1.5 - 5 cm long) are nearly rounded and become oval to lance-shaped toward the center of the plant. Flowers can be found from May to June, and are 2.5 - 3 cm long, 5-petaled, and pale pink in color. Flowers of this species are in spike-like groups that point upward, appearing similar to the flowers of gentians, which is how this species received its name. The corollas are pale pink and tubular with five triangular lobes closed over the opening. Stamens are inside the flowers. Fruits have 2 conspicuous round lobes, surrounded by persistent, dried sepals (FNAI 2000; Coile 2000; NatureServe 2001).

Where is Gentian Pinkroot (Spigelia gentianoides) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Sandy or dry-mesic pine-oak forests. (FNAI 2000)This species is found in association with overstory trees such as Pinus taeda, P. palustris, Quercus nigra, Q. hemisphaerica, Q. falcata and Nyssa sylvatica. The understory and herb layer is found with includes Cornus, Vaccinium, Rhododendron, Agrimonia, Gentiana, Mitchella and Pedicularis (NatureServe 2001).

Distribution:

Spigelia gentianoides var. gentianoides is known from Calhoun, Gadsden, Jackson, Liberty and Washington counties, Florida. S. gentianoides var. alabamensis is known only from Bibb County, Alabama.

States & Provinces:

Gentian Pinkroot can be found in Alabama, Florida

Which CPC Partners conserve Gentian Pinkroot (Spigelia gentianoides)?

Bok Tower Gardens

Conservation Actions

Tina Stanley

05/11/2023

According to a March 2023 extract of the Florida Plant Rescue Database, Bok Tower Gardens holds 1 accessions of Spigelia gentianoides totalling approximately 500 seeds.

09/30/2020

Dr. Jim Affolter and Jennifer Ceska (State Botanical Garden of Georgia's Plant Conservation Program) are studying the genetics, reproductive biology, and propagation of this species. (UpDate 1997)

09/30/2020

Dr. Jim Affolter and Jennifer Ceska (State Botanical Garden of Georgia's Plant Conservation Program) are studying the genetics, reproductive biology, and propagation of this species. (UpDate 1997)

09/30/2020

Dr. Jim Affolter and Jennifer Ceska (State Botanical Garden of Georgia's Plant Conservation Program) are studying the genetics, reproductive biology, and propagation of this species. (UpDate 1997)

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

Spigelia gentianoides is known from small populations in an extremely restricted range in Florida and Alabama. The Alabama populations are larger in area and in number of individuals. A decline in the quality and extent of habitat is threatening this species, especially in Florida where clearcutting and mechanical site preparation are immediate threats.

Dorothy M. Brazis

01/01/2010

Threats to this species include logging practices, lack of natural disturbance regimes, and overcollection. (USFWS 1990b).

Dorothy M. Brazis

01/01/2010

The only population currently known to exist in Florida is at the Three Rivers State Recreation Area, Lake Seminole, Jackson County. There is an unconfirmed report that the species may occur in Georgia (NatureServe 2001). Three sites with hundreds of individuals are found in cedar glades in Alabama.

Dorothy M. Brazis

01/01/2010

Dr. Jim Affolter and Jennifer Ceska (State Botanical Garden of Georgia's Plant Conservation Program) are studying the genetics, reproductive biology, and propagation of this species. (UpDate 1997)

Dorothy M. Brazis

01/01/2010

No active management known to be in progress.

Dorothy M. Brazis

01/01/2010

Conduct research on basic biology and effect of fire. Locate additional populations. Conduct research on population biology, including average life-span. Research the effect of fire on seeds and plants. Monitor and establish management plans for existing population(s). Develop management plans for this species.

Dorothy M. Brazis

01/01/2010

Research propagation and germination requirements. Maintain conservation collection.