Rhexia virginica

In its natural setting, Meadow Beauty can be found growing in wetlands, wet meadows, and open sandy locations. It stands between 1 to 1.5 feet tall. The taller plants sprawl along the ground while shorter ones stand erect. Growing from an underground tuber, it is known to spread rapidly which makes it ideal for filling moist, naturalized areas. Attractive pink flowers with contrasting yellow anthers appear in late spring and persist through late summer. With autumn’s arrival, urn-shaped seed capsules turn from green to a reddish copper, adding to the plants’ attractiveness. The charming capsules remain through the winter and contain small seeds which are spread by wind or by contact with wildlife. It is a very widespread Eastern species with a wide array of habitats, generally away from pineland savannas. It grows in marshes, ditches, openings in bottomlands and swamps, margins of ponds and pools. In addition to spreading through rhizomes, it reseeds easily so make sure to give it plenty of room to grow. Sometimes called “deer grass,” this plant is not deer tolerant!