The Divine Flower with Hyssop Leaves

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Scientific name:

Dianthus hyssopifolius L.

Common name:

Wood Pink

Family:

Caryophyllaceae

Biological form:

Emicriptofita scaposa

Characteristics

Habit: Perennial herb 30–60 cm tall. Stems ascending, branched above, with characteristic swollen nodes. Leaves opposite, sessile, narrow and pointed (2–3 mm wide), up to 10 cm long, with a sheathing base. Flowers: Fragrant, solitary or in small groups, with 5 deeply fringed petals, white or pink. Fruits: Capsule releasing seeds at maturity. Flowering: June–September.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: South-European orophyte. Distribution in Italy: Present in most regions except Valle d’Aosta, Puglia and the major islands. Habitat: Dry grasslands, heathlands and forest edges, up to 2200 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Dianthus): From Greek dios (divine) and anthos (flower). Specific name (hyssopifolius): Refers to similarity to hyssop leaves.