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Dianthus deltoides
Dianthus deltoides
Dianthus deltoides
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Maiden pink
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Dianthus
Species:
D. deltoides
Binomial name
Dianthus deltoides

Dianthus deltoides, the maiden pink, is a species of Dianthus native to most of Europe and western Asia.[1][2][3] It can also be found in many parts of North America, where it is an introduced species.[4]

It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 45 centimeters (18 in) tall. It has very narrow green or glaucous leaves forming a loosely tufted plant. The flowers are 15–20 millimeters across and usually pink, but they may be white and are often spotted white. It has an epicalyx of bracteoles, meaning it has a group of specialised leaves at the base of the flower. The calyx tube itself is not scarious (papery and membranous) at the joints between the lobes.

It is a plant of often calcareous (chalky) grassland but may also be found on rocky ground and occasionally on old mine spoil.[3][5] It has been observed to hybridise with introduced Dianthus barbatus, when native.[6]

Cultivation and uses

[edit]

It is widely used in horticulture with many cultivars such as 'Zing Rose',[7] sold as garden ornamental plants with flowers in a range of pink colours and sometimes darker green foliage.[5] In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[8][9]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dianthus deltoides

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from Grokipedia
Dianthus deltoides, commonly known as maiden pink, meadow pink, or lady's cushion, is a low-growing herbaceous plant in the pink family . Native to and western , it forms dense, mat-like clumps with narrow, gray-green, opposite leaves and produces small, fragrant flowers featuring five fringed petals in shades of pink, red, lavender, or white, often with a darker central ring, blooming from May to . This species typically reaches heights of 0.5 to 1 foot and spreads 0.5 to 2 feet wide, thriving in full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils such as , , or rocky substrates with a of 6.0 or higher. It prefers open, disturbed habitats like roadsides, fields, and meadows in its native range, and has been widely introduced to , where it naturalizes across much of the eastern and central and , sometimes becoming weedy or escaping cultivation. As an ornamental, D. deltoides is valued for its early-season blooms and evergreen foliage, serving as an effective groundcover, edging plant, or specimen that attracts bees and while showing resistance to deer and rabbits. Though generally low in toxicity, the plant contains triterpenoid that may cause mild skin irritation upon contact and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested, and it is susceptible to issues like or crown rot in overly wet conditions. occurs via seeds or division every two to three years, contributing to its popularity in across temperate regions.

Taxonomy

Etymology

The genus name derives from the Greek words dios (of or divine) and anthos (flower), alluding to the beauty or sacredness of the flowers in the genus. The specific epithet deltoides originates from the Greek delta (Δ), the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet denoting a triangular shape, combined with the suffix -oides (resembling), in reference to the triangular leaves or bracts of the plant. This binomial name was formally established by in his in 1753.

Classification

_Dianthus deltoides is classified within the kingdom Plantae, clade Tracheophytes, clade Angiosperms, clade , order , family , genus , and species D. deltoides. The species belongs to the genus , which comprises approximately 300 species of herbaceous plants commonly known as pinks and carnations, primarily distributed in temperate regions of Europe, , and . Two subspecies are recognized: Dianthus deltoides subsp. deltoides, which is the nominate subspecies widespread across , and Dianthus deltoides subsp. degenii, restricted to the western Balkan Peninsula; no major varieties are currently debated in taxonomic literature. Phylogenetically, Dianthus deltoides is positioned within the family, characterized by stems with swollen nodes and opposite leaves, features that distinguish the family from other and reflect its evolutionary adaptations to diverse temperate habitats.

Description

Morphology

_Dianthus deltoides is an herbaceous that grows to a height of 10–45 cm, forming loose tufts or spreading mats of foliage up to 60 cm wide. The plant arises from slender rhizomes or a thickened and produces both fertile and sterile shoots, often glabrous or finely hairy. The leaves are simple, opposite, and sessile, with basal leaves oblanceolate and cauline leaves linear to lanceolate, measuring 1–3 cm long and 1.5–3 mm wide. They are green, sometimes glaucous, entire-margined, and may bear simple hairs, persisting as evergreen in mild conditions. Stems are slender, erect to ascending, and frequently branched in the upper portions, with a circular cross-section, swollen nodes, and occasional waxy coating or hairs between nodes. Flowers are radially symmetrical, 10–20 mm in , borne singly or in small clusters of 1–4 at the ends of peduncles 4–30 mm long. The five petals are pink, occasionally white, with a darker spotted or ringed band at the base and toothed or fringed margins; they measure 4–10 mm long. An epicalyx of 1–2 bracteoles subtends the calyx, which consists of a green tube 10–18 mm long with five narrowly triangular, non-scarious lobes. The fruit is an ovoid to cylindrical capsule, 10–15 mm long, dehiscing via four teeth and containing 40–100 small, ribbed or papillose blackish-brown seeds approximately 1 mm in length.

Reproduction

_Dianthus deltoides is an herbaceous with a life cycle as an over-wintering chamaephyte, typically living more than two years in the wild. Plants form loose tufts and can persist for several years under suitable conditions, though they are considered relatively short-lived compared to longer-lived . Flowering occurs primarily from May to July in the , producing solitary or few-flowered inflorescences on upright stems. In some regions, the bloom period extends into , depending on local and . The flowers are protandrous, with a narrow calyx tube that opens during the day and closes at night, limiting opportunities to daylight hours. Pollination is primarily entomophilous, carried out by diurnal such as and bees, which are attracted to the fragrant, petals and rewards. , including like the Essex Skipper and Large Skipper, are key , often carrying on their bodies due to the flower's structure adapted for long-tongued visitors. Visitation rates influence seed set, with reducing visits and lowering natural in isolated populations. experiments demonstrate that seed production can increase up to fourfold in areas with limited access, highlighting the species' dependence on effective transfer. Following pollination, each flower develops a dry capsule containing 40–100 small, obovate seeds approximately 1 mm long. is primarily gravitational and wind-assisted, with mature capsules shaken by breezes to release seeds near the parent plant, lacking specialized structures for long-distance transport. This local dispersal strategy is facilitated by the species' preference for open, sunny habitats where seeds can germinate readily under warm, disturbed conditions. While primarily reproducing via , D. deltoides exhibits limited vegetative propagation through creeping shoots that in moist , allowing modest clonal spread in favorable environments. This secondary mode contributes to population maintenance but is less dominant than .

Distribution and habitat

Native range

Dianthus deltoides is native to a broad expanse across and western , extending from in the north to the Mediterranean region in the south, and eastward to . Its primary distribution encompasses much of temperate , including regions from and southward to and , and into western Asian territories such as the Altay Mountains and West . This range reflects its adaptation to diverse yet predominantly temperate environments within the . The is widespread in several central and northern European countries, such as the (particularly ), , , and , where it occupies extensive grasslands and open habitats. In contrast, its occurrence becomes rarer in southern European locales, including , Sicilia, and the , likely due to more Mediterranean-influenced conditions at the range's periphery. Eastern extensions include substantial presence in (Central, East, South, and North ) and Siberian areas like Buryatiya, , and , as well as the , , , and the Northwest Balkan Peninsula. Fossil evidence from deposits, such as those in the Late-Weichselian flora of the Isle of Man, confirms the long-term presence of D. deltoides in , with continuity through post-glacial recolonization into grasslands. This historical stability underscores its role as a of pre-glacial steppe-like that persisted and expanded following the retreat of ice sheets around 10,000–12,000 years ago. The native range aligns with temperate climate zones, showing a particular affinity for continental regimes characterized by cold winters, significant seasonal temperature variations, and low humidity. Such conditions prevail across much of its European and Siberian distribution, supporting its establishment in open, well-drained landscapes.

Introduced range

Dianthus deltoides has been introduced to several regions outside its native European and Asian range, primarily as an ornamental garden plant. In , it was first recorded in the during the 1880s through cultivation in gardens. It is now naturalized in 23 states across the and several provinces in , with widespread presence in the northeastern, central, and eastern regions. Additionally, the species has been introduced to and , where it occurs as a non-native. The plant often escapes from cultivation and establishes in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, abandoned fields, ditches, and clearings. In some areas, like , it is considered weedy due to its ability to persist in these open, sunny to partially shaded sites. It has become naturalized in at least 23 states across , forming populations in man-made and disturbed environments, though it rarely persists long-term without disturbance. Spread occurs through intentional planting in gardens and accidental dispersal of seeds via wind, water, or human activity. Currently, Dianthus deltoides is naturalized in parts of the but is not listed as invasive in by major authorities. In and , it remains primarily associated with cultivation and has not shown significant invasive tendencies.

Ecology

Habitat preferences

Dianthus deltoides thrives in dry, open habitats including grasslands, heaths, rocky slopes, sand dunes (particularly dune slacks), and old mine spoils or quarried areas, where it favors sunny exposures on steep banks or south-facing slopes. These environments provide the sparse vegetation and light conditions essential for its growth, often in unimproved or disturbed sites across its native European range. The species prefers well-drained, thin soils that are neutral to alkaline, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 or higher, typically overlying , , , or other base-rich substrates such as sandstones or . It shows intolerance to waterlogging and heavy, wet conditions, which can lead to crown rot in poorly drained sites. Dianthus deltoides occurs at low to moderate elevations, from up to 2000 m in colline to subalpine zones, within temperate climates characterized by dry summers and moderate . It is commonly associated with grasses and herbs like and species in species-rich, unimproved meadows and dry grasslands.

Biological interactions

Dianthus deltoides is primarily pollinated by insects from the orders Hymenoptera, such as bees, and Lepidoptera, including butterflies, which visit its flowers for nectar and pollen. Habitat fragmentation reduces pollinator visitation rates, leading to lower seed set in isolated populations. Seed dispersal occurs mainly through wind and gravity, but ants also remove and transport a significant portion of seeds, up to 80% in some grassland settings, potentially aiding distribution despite the absence of elaiosomes. The plant faces herbivory from sheep, whose creates dense, short swards that eliminate populations over time. Pathogens include fungal diseases like (Uromyces dianthi), which causes pustules on leaves and stems, particularly in humid or wet conditions that promote . Anther-smut fungi (Microbotryum spp.) also infect flowers, sterilizing them and spreading via pollinators across species. Dianthus deltoides forms limited arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses with fungi such as Funneliformis mosseae, featuring hyphae and vesicles in roots but rare arbuscules, which facilitate nutrient uptake, including phosphorus, in nutrient-poor soils. These associations are less extensive than in co-occurring mycorrhizal plants, reflecting the species' partial nonhost status within the Caryophyllaceae. Conservation of Dianthus deltoides is challenged by declines from , which suppresses regeneration, and , which has reduced populations by 39% in since 1930 and limits through decreased activity. It is classified as Near Threatened on the Great Britain Red List and Vulnerable in (as of 2014). These interactions underscore the need for balanced regimes and connectivity to maintain viable populations in native grasslands.

Cultivation and uses

Horticultural requirements

Dianthus deltoides thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote compact growth and prolific flowering. It prefers well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 or higher, tolerating sandy, rocky, or poor conditions but performing best in fertile, gritty loams. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and center die-out, so heavy clay soils should be amended with grit or sand to improve aeration and prevent waterlogging. When planting, space individuals 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) apart to allow for their mat-forming and prevent overcrowding, which can exacerbate issues. Water moderately during the establishment phase to keep evenly moist, but reduce to sparingly once rooted, as the is drought-tolerant and excess moisture invites fungal problems. Deadheading spent flowers encourages prolonged blooming and tidier appearance, while shearing the entire plant by half after the main flush can stimulate a sparse fall rebloom; established clumps should be divided every 2 to 3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor. Propagation is straightforward via seeds sown in spring under cool conditions, with typically occurring in 14 to 21 days at temperatures around 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), or by division of established clumps in autumn to yield new quickly. Cuttings from non-flowering shoots can also be taken in spring or summer for clonal reproduction. This species exhibits strong hardiness across USDA zones 3 to 9, proving frost-hardy and resilient in cold winters while tolerating heat in milder climates, though it may need afternoon shade in very hot areas to avoid stress. Its makes it suitable for low-water gardens once established. Generally low-maintenance, Dianthus deltoides faces few serious pests; slugs, snails, and grasshoppers can pose minor threats in damp conditions. Diseases are rare but include in humid, crowded summers and crown or in wet, poorly drained sites—ensuring optimal drainage and spacing mitigates these risks effectively.

Varieties and cultivars

_Dianthus deltoides exhibits considerable variation among its cultivars, primarily in flower color, which ranges from deep pink and cerise to white or red-tinged forms, with petals often featuring a darker basal spot or ring. Heights typically span 10-30 cm, forming compact mats of narrow, leaves, while bloom duration extends from late spring through summer, providing prolonged ornamental interest. Cultivars generally display a more robust and compact habit compared to the wild species, with larger flowers adapted for garden settings. Notable cultivars include 'Zing Rose', a compact form producing deep rose-red, single flowers with serrated petals over grass-like green foliage, reaching about 20 cm tall and spreading to 45 cm, ideal for edging. 'Arctic Fire' features vigorous, free-flowering white blooms with a contrasting fiery red eye, forming spreading mats of dark green leaves up to 15 cm high and 30 cm wide, noted for its heavy blooming. Another example is 'Double North', which offers double white fragrant flowers on a small of grey-green evergreen leaves, enhancing its suitability for low-maintenance displays. In landscaping, Dianthus deltoides cultivars serve as effective groundcovers, border edgings, and components of rock or alpine gardens, thriving on slopes, stone walls, or in containers due to their mat-forming growth and drought tolerance once established. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to garden settings with their nectar-rich flowers. Selection of Dianthus deltoides for cultivation in dates back to at least the late 16th century, with the first British record by John Gerard in 1597 describing its wild creeping habit, leading to garden forms emphasizing compact growth and spotted petals by the during the peak popularity of pinks. The species itself has received the Royal Horticultural Society's for reliable performance in gardens, awarded in 1993 for its hardiness (H6 rating) and ornamental value.

References

  1. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dianthus-deltoides/
  2. https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile?symbol=DIDE
  3. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242416440
  4. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=109796
  5. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/dianthus-deltoides/
  6. https://www.ipni.org/n/302054-2
  7. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302054-2
  8. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:6245-1/general-information
  9. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:923199-1
  10. https://floranorthamerica.org/Caryophyllaceae
  11. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/dianthus/deltoides/
  12. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279080
  13. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/maiden-pink
  14. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000643427
  15. https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/Dianthus_deltoides_species_account.pdf
  16. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.1988.tb00200.x
  17. https://extension.umass.edu/weed-herbarium/weeds/dianthus-deltoides/index.html
  18. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.1970.0031
  19. https://www.infoflora.ch/en/flora/dianthus-deltoides.html
  20. https://botsoc.scot/2023/11/12/plant-of-the-week-13th-november-2023-dianthus-deltoides-maiden-pink/
  21. https://www.uaf.edu/ces/publications/database/gardening/dont-plant-problem.php
  22. https://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=17252
  23. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294689692_The_'Thymo-Festucetum_ovinae'_complex_and_similar_subthermophilous_communities_in_the_Czech_Republic
  24. https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1523-1739.1988.tb00200.x
  25. https://www.ibot.cas.cz/personal/dostal/dostalFLORA2005.pdf
  26. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5711/dianthus-deltoides/details
  27. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6019127/
  28. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.13118
  29. https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/England_Red_List_1.pdf
  30. https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/maiden-pink-dianthus
  31. http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene7e26.html
  32. https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/dianthus-deltoides-brilliancy-seeds/w23947TM
  33. https://www.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=022500422006178
  34. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dianthus-deltoides-arctic-fire
  35. https://www.shootgardening.com/plants/dianthus-deltoides-double-north
  36. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dianthus-deltoides-maiden-pink
  37. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf
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