pinkroot

plant

Also known as: Spigelia

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Pinkroot refers to several American plants belonging to the genus Spigelia. These plants are related to the nux vomica and have been historically used as anthelmintics, meaning they are used to expel or destroy parasitic worms.1

One notable species is Spigelia marilandica, a U.S. woodland herb. This particular pinkroot is sometimes cultivated for its attractive red and yellow flowers. The term "Maryland pink" is also used, sometimes interchangeably with pinkroot, or as "Maryland pinkroot". The first recorded use of the word "pinkroot" dates back to 1763.12

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Loganiaceae
Some species of pinkroot (Spigelia) are known to be highly poisonous, but several, including S. marilandica, are also cultivated as ornamentals. Poisonous alkaloids found in the bark and seeds of plants of the genus Strychnos are used in arrow poisons such as curare and in drugs that stimulate…
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Some species of pinkroot (Spigelia) are known to be highly poisonous, but several, including S. marilandica, are also cultivated as ornamentals. Poisonous alkaloids found in the bark and seeds of plants of the genus Strychnos are used in arrow poisons such as curare and in drugs that stimulate…
Read More