Deptford Pink.Dianthus Armeria.Mountain Pink.
Found from July till frost-time, in upland fields and pastures.
The slender, angular and jointed stalk is from 8 to 12 inches in height, occasionally branching, round, smooth and shining. In color dark green.
The leaf is long and narrow, with a strong midrib, an entire margin, thin, tough texture, and a downy surface; in color it is rather a dark and cool green. The leaves, as with all the pinks, clasp the stalk in pairs with a noticeable joint; the pairs occur at right angles to each other.
The 5 petals of the small flower are oblong with finely notched tips; they spread widely, and are of a fine smooth texture, and a deep rose-pink color, dotted with pale pink specks; the green calyx is tubular, 5-parted, and downy, and is enfolded by 4 narrow green bracts. The flowers occur in pairs, from the angles of the leaves, on short leafy stems.
Sometimes, but not often, two flowers are borne on the same stem; it has been observed that the flower-stems are of about equal length with the curving leaves from which they spring. The plant grows in charming jerks and slants, and like all its kin is neatly finished at the joints. An October walk seldom fails to discover a few of these bright-hued Pinks amidst the dying meadow grasses and bare growths of summer; if the seeds are then gathered and spring-sown in the home garden this hardy little plant will consent to cultivation.