swamp pink

noun

1. a bog plant, Helonias bullata, of the lily family, native to the eastern U.S., having a dense spike of small, fragrant pink flowers.
2. arethusa ( def 1 ).
3. any of several other pink-flowered plants that grow in wet places.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swamp pink¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

To hear a lovely bunch of the Arethusa called Swamp Pink is not so strange.

From Project Gutenberg

It is true that the five boroughs have lost species like the fringed yellow orchid and swamp pink.

From New York Times

The pink azalea, or swamp pink, violets, buttercups, and all kinds of meadow beauties began peeping up all around.

From Project Gutenberg

But we soon came to higher banks, which were covered with a fragrant blossom called the "swamp pink" in some parts of the North.

From Project Gutenberg

These had a sub-acid, delicious flavor, not unlike the smell of the swamp pink, which grew in the same spot.

From Project Gutenberg