Common Marsh Poker
(Kniphofia tysonii)
Common Marsh Poker (Kniphofia tysonii)
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Peter Warren
Public Domain
Image By:
Peter Warren
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Peter Warren | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Peter Warren | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-02-24T12:21:01-08:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kniphofia tysonii, commonly known as Common Marsh Poker, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the moist grasslands and marshy areas of Eastern South Africa, extending to Eswatini. It can reach a height of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of 3 feet (0.9 meters). This species is characterized by its striking vertical form and dense, grass-like foliage. The vibrant, torch-like inflorescences consist of tubular orange flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.
Common Marsh Poker is valued for its unique flower spikes that add vertical interest to garden beds and borders. It is often used in water gardens, bog gardens, and as an accent plant in perennial borders. The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistent moisture, making it suitable for areas with medium to high water availability. It prefers soils with good drainage but can tolerate heavier, wet soils. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor. In regions with colder climates, it may require winter protection or be grown as a container plant to be moved indoors during frost periods.CC BY-SA 4.0
Common Marsh Poker is valued for its unique flower spikes that add vertical interest to garden beds and borders. It is often used in water gardens, bog gardens, and as an accent plant in perennial borders. The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistent moisture, making it suitable for areas with medium to high water availability. It prefers soils with good drainage but can tolerate heavier, wet soils. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor. In regions with colder climates, it may require winter protection or be grown as a container plant to be moved indoors during frost periods.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Orange, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Moist grasslands and marshy areas of Eastern South Africa extending to Eswatini
Other Names
Common Names: Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily
Scientific Names: , Kniphofia tysonii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Kniphofia tysonii Baker