Wulf, Wood pink (Dianthus sylvestris)

Species and habitat description

The Dianthus sylvestris Wulfen, common name Wood pink is a perennial herbaceous belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. Biological form: scapular hemicryptophyte. The Wood pink reaches a height from 15 to 60 cm. The leaves are opposite, simple, linear. The flowers have 5 petals, typically frilled and pink. It grows in dry meadows and slopes and rocky environments, with optimum on calcareous substrates, from sea level to the alpine range, in Emilia Romagna between 200 and 1900 m. The name of the genus comes from the Greek ‘Theòs’ (God, Jupiter) and ‘anthos’ (flower) and therefore means ‘flower of Jupiter’; the specific name, from the Latin ‘sylva’ (selva), alludes to the woodland habitat. Flowering period: May-August.
Species considered characteristic of the association Xero-Brometum apenninum Volk 1958.

Major threats

Dianthus sylvestris has no threat factor due to poor accessibility of growth environments. In the Emilia-Romagna region it is a rare and protected species and is included in the List of Protected Flora (General Conservation Measures of the Natura 2000 Network, Protection of the Spontaneous Flora).

Specific conservation action

Wood pink is widespread in the Apennines, included in the IT4070011 site of the Park Vena del Gesso-Romagnola, where it is found in the garida facing south. Specific conservation actions include harvesting and storing seeds in order to create a seed bank and preserve ecotypes. If necessary, resettlememt of the species. Other actions consist in eliminating invasive alien species and maintaining clearing areas .