Royal Catchfly (Silene regia)

Distinguishing Characteristics

Leaves opposite, gradually tapering to the stem. Margin with short hairs. Stems smooth on lower part, with sticky hairs near the top of the mature flowering plant.

Height

3 to 4 feet

Blooms

July to August

Description

A clump-forming perennial, it has long, slender, often reclining stems. Each stem has 10 – 20 pairs of downy, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 5 inches long.

Comments

Found in the southern tallgrass prairie region to northeastern region on savannas and dry to mesic prairies. Rarely used in seeding mixes, even restoration projects, as the seed is extremely small and expensive. The cardinal-red flowers are a good nectar source for hummingbirds.