Marshallia graminifolia Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Asteraceae

Stems:

Leaves:

Inflorescence:

N/A

Involucre:

Ray flowers:

Absent.

Disk flowers:

Flowering – June – September.

Habitat – Pocosins, savannahs, wet pine barrens.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This species can be found in the most southern counties of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its habitat, pink flowers, and many, thin leaves.
The species epithet graminifolia derives from the Latin “gram(in)” meaning “grass” and “foli” meaning “a leaf” referring to the thin leaves of the plant.
The genus name Marshallia was given at the request of Muhlenberg for Dr. Moses Marshall (1758 – 1813). Moses Marshall was the nephew of botanist Humphrey Marshall (1722 – 1801). Humphrey Marshall was a cousin of legendary botanist John Bartram and turned his family farm into an amazing botanic garden. Moses Marshall helped out with the collection of plants for this garden and his uncle. Moses lost interest in botany as he grew older and the botanic garden of his uncle was neglected and grew into little more than an interesting wilderness.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken in the Croatan National Forest, NC., 7-18-02.