Pink Root – Spigelia marilandica

Family: Loganiaceae

Common Names: woodland pinkroot, indian pink, worm root, wormgrass, starbloom…

Planting/Cultivation:

Growing region: Pink root grows in rich soils at the edges of forests, blooms from May to July. You can find Pink Root growing everywhere south of a line from Texas north to Illinois then across to North Carolina.

Harvesting/Drying:

Parts Used: herb, root

After harvest, remove all foreign matter (rocks, dirt and other roots) before cleaning and drying.

When possible dry indoors in a well ventilated barn loft or attic to protect against the elements. If natural heat is not available you may need to add heat and a fan for continuous airflow. The key to drying herbs, roots or bark is an even combination of heat and airflow.

Roots will completely dry (stem will snap not bend) in 3-7 days depending on the size of the root and the drying conditions. After dried, place in a cardboard box or paper bag and store in a dry place until ready to sell or use. Do not store the root in plastic as it will mold.

Attributes (Images)

By uwdigitalcollections [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons