Deptford pink

This little pink, only about a half inch across, is another example of imports from Europe that have become naturalized. Dianthus armeria  was introduced as an ornamental and has, like many other ornamentals, escaped and is now found in roadsides, grassy places and wastelands. According to the web page, Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses,,

"Related to the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). The name Deptford comes from England. The Oxford English Dictionary gives a reference from 1597 to 'A Wilde creeping Pinke, which groweth in our pastures near about London .. but especially in the great field next to Deptford'. Pink is thought by some to refer to the jagged petal tips which appear 'Pinked', as with pinking scissors."  (Web page source Kansa State University Libraries. Maintained by Mike Haddock, 1997-2016)


The extra shows a close up of a flower and the "pinked" petals can be seen here.