swamp pink

American  

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.

3. any of several other pink-flowered plants that grow in wet places.

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Etymology

Origin of swamp pink

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Every farmer's boy's mouth waters at sight of the cool, juicy May-apple, the extraordinary pulpy growth on this plant and the swamp pink.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje

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 Down South or, Yacht Adventure in Florida by Optic, Oliver

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

From Maid Sally by Cheever, Harriet A.

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

From Confessions of Boyhood by Albee, John