Sabatia stellaris
marsh pink
Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of eastern North America
Overview
Sabatia stellaris is an annual wildflower of coastal salt marshes growing 4–20 inches (10–50 cm) tall on slender, branched stems. The plant produces solitary flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across, each with five rose-pink petals surrounding a yellow star-shaped center bordered with a thin red line. Leaves are opposite, narrow, and 0.5–1.5 inches (1.5–4 cm) long, lance-shaped to oblong and stalkless. Flowers open from July to October, closing in dull weather and opening in sun. The species grows along the upper edges of brackish and salt marshes, coastal swales, and wet sandy flats of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. As a salt-marsh annual, it depends on consistent soil moisture and brackish to saline conditions; it does not persist in dry garden soil or survive beyond one growing season. Plants vary from deep rose-pink to occasionally white and self-seed where conditions stay suitable. Flower color and petal number vary across populations, with some flowers carrying six or seven petals.
Native Range
Sabatia stellaris is native to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of eastern North America, from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas, and in the West Indies. It grows in salt marshes, brackish marsh edges, and damp coastal sands.Suggested Uses
Used in coastal gardens, rain gardens, pond margins, and naturalized brackish wetland plantings. Suited to wet sandy sites where it self-seeds, spaced 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart in informal drifts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from July to October, peaking in late summer. Each flower has five rose-pink petals around a yellow star-shaped eye edged in red and opens in sunlight, closing under overcast skies. Flowers are produced singly at the ends of branches over a long season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rose-pink with yellow centerFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow S. stellaris in full sun in consistently moist to wet sandy soil with brackish or saline influence. It needs soil that stays damp through the growing season and tolerates salt spray and tidal flooding at marsh margins. Soil pH from 5.5 to 7.5 is suitable. As an annual, it completes its cycle in one season and relies on self-sown seed to return. It does not transplant readily and declines in dry or heavily fertilized ground. Direct sowing onto moist sand in autumn or early spring suits its germination.Pruning
No pruning is required. As an annual, the plant dies back completely after setting seed in autumn. Spent stems can be left in place so seed drops for the following season.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn or early spring onto moist sand
Plant Spacing
10 inches