Fauna
Flower

Deptford Pink

Dianthus armeria

Also known as Grass Pink

Deptford pink produces small clusters of bright magenta flowers speckled with tiny white dots, held atop slender, erect stems coated in soft downy hairs. Each individual flower blooms for just a single day, opening in early morning sunlight to attract hoverflies, sweat bees, and small butterflies. Though declining in parts of its native European range due to modern agricultural practices, it readily establishes in sunny, dry, disturbed soils like field margins and gravelly roadsides.

WildflowerSun-LovingPink Petals
Deptford Pink reference1 / 7
(c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Deer
  • Rabbits
  • Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat loss, overgrowth by dense brush, agricultural intensification
HabitatsDry grasslands, field edges, roadsides, disturbed ground
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyCaryophyllaceae
  3. GenusDianthus
  4. SpeciesDianthus armeria
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Non-toxic to people but can upset dogs' and cats' stomachs if eaten; keep away from pets.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing Time: Spot blooming clusters during sunny summer mornings when individual flowers open fully.
  • Habitat Search: Look along gravel paths, dry field edges, and sunny embankment slopes.
  • Identification Key: Check the petals for distinct white dots and hair-covered flower bracts.
Related species
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