Carnation, Clove Pink, Grenadine
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Tracheophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Caryophyllales; Family: Caryophyllaceae; Genus: Dianthus; Species: Dianthus caryophyllus · Caryophyllaceae (Pink or Carnation family) · Simple; Evergreen herbaceous perennial but often grown as an annual
Species
Dianthus caryophyllus
Leaf Type
Simple; Evergreen herbaceous perennial but often grown as an annual
Family
Caryophyllaceae (Pink or Carnation family)
Shape
Linear to lanceolate, tapering to a point
Size
Approximately 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in length and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in width, typical for the cultivar
Margin
Entire (smooth)
Arrangement
Opposite, appearing in pairs along the nodes of the stem
Rarity
Very Common; widely available in floral shops and gardens worldwide
Color & Pattern
Glaucous grey-green to blue-green base color; the flower petals show a deep burgundy or dark pink pattern with a lighter base
Venation Pattern
Parallel or mid-veined, with secondary veins being nearly invisible
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) with a waxy (glaucous) coating that gives it a matte, slightly dusty appearance
Description
A herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are slender and glaucous. The flower shown is a 'fancy' variety with fringed petals held within a cylindrical green calyx consisting of overlapping bracts.
Key Features
Swollen stem nodes ('knuckles'), glaucous blue-green waxy leaves, and the distinctive tubular green calyx with scaled bracts at the base of the flower
Habitat
Well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun; originally native to rocky Mediterranean slopes
Geographic Range
Originally native to the Mediterranean region (Greece, Italy, Spain); now cultivated globally in temperate climates
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. The specimen shows significant signs of senescence or drying, particularly in the petals which appear shriveled and dark. The stem and leaves remain relatively green but are likely cut and losing turgidity.
Interesting Facts
Carnations have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Their name is thought to derive from 'coronation' or 'corona' (flower garlands used in Greek ceremonies). Different colors historically symbolize different sentiments, with red representing deep love.
Medicinal & Uses
Extensively used in the floral industry for bouquets and boutonnieres. Petals are technically edible and often used in salads or to flavor Chartreuse liqueur, but only if grown without pesticides.
Ecological Role
Attracts long-tongued pollinators such as butterflies and hawkmoths due to the deep petal structure. It has low ecological impact outside its native range where it is mostly a controlled ornamental.
Similar Species
Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William) which has broader leaves and flat-topped flower clusters, and Dianthus chinensis (China Pink) which is usually shorter with flatter leaf surfaces.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive 'swollen' joints on the stems. In the wild or escaped garden settings, they prefer sunny, dry spots. Use a snip to cut at the node for better regrowth.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic. The leaves contain saponins which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities and may cause mild skin irritation/dermatitis in some individuals or pets.