#catchflies

Fire Pink

Silene virginica

A perennial catchfly native to central and eastern North America. The bright, fiery red flowers attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to pollinate them, and sticky sepals and stems on the plant act as a trap for small insects trying to climb up it, hence the name "catchfly" for plants in this genus. It prefers somewhat dry soils and part-sun, so it can be found on rocky slopes in open woodlands, savannas, and other similar habitats.

I found this fire pink growing in open, rocky woods near blackjack oaks and other drought-tolerant species.

April 18th, 2024

St. Francois County, Missouri, USA

Olivia R. Myers

As spring progresses, many wildflowers are overtaken by vigorous plants such as nettle, bramble and grasses.  Where the soil is rich more colourful wild flowers may be fewer now but a few stars shine out against the verdant background.  AAs a boy, after learning the names of bluebell, daisy and dandelion, the next wildflower I came to know was Red Campion (Silene dioca) Growing up to three feet…