Family: Caryophyllaceae
fire pink, scarlet catchfly
Kyle Steele
Robert W. Freckmann
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, 8"-32" tall forb
Leaves: basal leaves stalked, 2-4 pairs of stalkless stem leaves
Flowers: red to orange, 5-parted, 1"- 1 1/2" wide, sepals forming a wide tube, petals 2-lobed; inflorescence open, with 7 or more flowers; blooms May-Sept.
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods, slopes; in rich, rocky soil
Conservation Status: Endangered
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-32" tall forb
Leaves: basal leaves stalked, 2-4 pairs of stalkless stem leaves
Flowers: red to orange, 5-parted, 1"- 1 1/2" wide, sepals forming a wide tube, petals 2-lobed; inflorescence open, with 7 or more flowers; blooms May-Sept.
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods, slopes; in rich, rocky soil
Conservation Status: Endangered
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Robert W. Freckmann
Mark Mittelstadt
Kyle Steele
Kyle Steele
Mark Mittelstadt
Botanical Illustration
Merel R. Black
Mark Mittelstadt
Merel R. Black
Robert W. Freckmann
Robert W. Freckmann
Robert H. Read