Helonias bullata

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Swamp pink

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Helonias
Species: H. bullata
Binomial name
Helonias bullata

Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata) is perennial rhizomatous herb and usually blooms from March to May. Its fragrant flowers are pink and occur in a cluster. It has dark evergreen, lance-shaped, and parallel-veined leaves.

Swamp Pink is an endangered species that was historically distributed from Staten Island, New York to the southern Appalachians. Currently, New Jersey supports the largest and most numerous populations, but there are populations in six other states: Delaware; Maryland; Virginia; North Carolina; South Carolina, and Georgia. There is also some indication that a population of Swamp Pink has survived on Staten Island.

Swamp Pink occurs in wetland habitats and it requires habitat which is saturated, but not flooded, with water. Typical areas include swampy forested wetlands which border small streams; meadows, and spring seepage areas. It is often found near evergreen trees.

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Swamp Pink specimen in bloom
Swamp Pink specimen in bloom