Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Loganiaceae

Genus:

Spigelia

Species:

Spigelia gentianoides

USDA Symbol:

SPGE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Found in fire-maintained longleaf pine savannas and seepage slopes; benefits from periodic fire that reduces woody competition.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to pine rocklands and open sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI