Helonias bullata
Encyclopedia
Swamp Pink is a rare perennial rhizomatous herb native to the United States. Blooming in March to May, its fragrant flowers are pink and occur in a cluster. It has dark evergreen, lance-shaped, and parallel-veined leaves that form a basal rosette. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Helonias.
Swamp Pink is a federally threatened species that was historically distributed from Staten Island, New York to the southern Appalachians. It is the only species in its genus. Many extant populations suffer low genetic diversity. Currently, New Jersey
supports the largest and most numerous populations, but there are populations in six other states: Delaware
; Maryland
; Virginia
; West Virginia;North Carolina
; South Carolina
, and Georgia
. There is also some unverified 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 conifer trees.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service has instituted a volunteer monitoring project, “Adopt-a-Swamp-Pink Population”. The program has been further expanded by a joint volunteer effort with Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
. The survey results are shared with U.S.F.W.S. and the New Jersey Natural Heritage database.
Swamp Pink is a federally threatened species that was historically distributed from Staten Island, New York to the southern Appalachians. It is the only species in its genus. Many extant populations suffer low genetic diversity. Currently, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
supports the largest and most numerous populations, but there are populations in six other states: Delaware
Delaware
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
; Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
; Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
; West Virginia;North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
; South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, and Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. There is also some unverified 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 conifer trees.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service has instituted a volunteer monitoring project, “Adopt-a-Swamp-Pink Population”. The program has been further expanded by a joint volunteer effort with Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc., or "CU", is a 501 regional watershed organization. It was founded in 1979 and incorporated in 1986....
. The survey results are shared with U.S.F.W.S. and the New Jersey Natural Heritage database.