About Dianthus plumarius L.
Dianthus plumarius L. is a compact evergreen perennial plant that grows to an average height of 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches). Its stems are green, erect, hairless, and branched at the top. The leaves are arranged oppositely, are simple, linear, and stalkless, and are more or less erect and flexible, with a sheath that wraps around the stem. Leaves are about 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) wide and up to 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) long. The calyx is a green cylindrical tube around 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) long, with reddish teeth. Flowers are radially symmetric, hermaphroditic, and grouped into 3- to 5-flowered scapes, with 10 stamens. Each flower has five pink petals that are 10 to 15 millimeters (0.39 to 0.59 inches) long and have fringed margins. Flowering occurs from May to August. Fruits are capsules that contain a small number of seeds. This species is native to Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia, and is naturalized in Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it grows invasively in Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York State, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and California.
