Etymology: Silene: probably from Greek sialon, "saliva," referring to gummy exudation on stems, and/or named for Silenus, intoxicated foster-father of Bacchus (god of wine) who was covered with foam, much like the glandular secretions of many species of this genus.
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-28" tall, mostly hairless forb; stems sometimes with sticky areas below the upper nodes
Leaves: stalkless, more or less clasping
Flowers: pink to lavender, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, sepals tubular and tight at the bottom, petals 2-lobed; inflorescence dense, branched clusters (cymes); blooms June-July
Habitat: disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - escaped

Flora of North America: Flora of North America USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.