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, perennial, 12"-32" tall forb
Leaves: lance-shaped, mostly stalkless; opposite
Flowers: pink to purple, 5-parted, 3/4"-1" wide, sepals lobes much shorter than the tube; petals deeply lobed and with 2 side teeth giving a ragged appearance; inflorescence open, branched cluster (cyme); blooms July-Sept.
Conservation Status: Introduced - adventive
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-32" tall forb
Leaves: lance-shaped, mostly stalkless; opposite
Flowers: pink to purple, 5-parted, 3/4"-1" wide, sepals lobes much shorter than the tube; petals deeply lobed and with 2 side teeth giving a ragged appearance; inflorescence open, branched cluster (cyme); blooms July-Sept.
Conservation Status: Introduced - adventive
Flora of North America: Flora of North America USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration