Our mystery seeds from last week were from yet another European native, the Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria).

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Deptford pinks have become naturalized in North America, where they can be found scattered throughout meadows.

 

pink-public-domain(Public domain illustration from British Entomology by John Curtis)

Because the delicate stems and leaves resemble a grass, they are sometimes also called grass pinks.

mystery-seed-233-USDA(Seed image from last week’s mystery post by Steve Hurst,hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

dianthus-pink-seed-pod

The seeds form in seed pods at the tops of stalks. The plants reseed readily.

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Aren’t they lovely?

Depending on location, grass pinks may grow as annuals or biennials.

There are a few closely-related species that may resemble each other and grow in similar locales. One is the maiden pink, Dianthus deltoides.

Do Deptford pinks grow where you live?

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Note:  Mystery Seed of the Week will be on a short hiatus as we will be celebrating chemistry all next week.