Ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) is a non-native member of the Pink family (sometimes referred to as the Carnation family), originally from Europe. It has since become naturalized in parts of the northern United States, including Cape Cod. Although commonly found in bogs and marshes in Europe, in the U.S. it is more often found in moist but non-wetland areas and once established it can perform well in drier soils. The plant produces a rosette of low-growing foliage and numerous stalks 2 to 3 feet tall, with occasional pairs of leaves. Leaves are opposite and entire (i.e., not toothed). From May to July, ragged robin produces bright pink or white flowers in terminal clusters with five extremely divided petals, giving the flower a “ragged” appearance and its name. Due to the long tubular base of the flower, it is most often visited by butterflies and long-tongued bees. 

The species name “flos-cuculi” means “flower-of-the-cuckoo” in reference to the plant’s initial May bloom time, which corresponds to when cuckoos are first heard in Britain and Ireland.