Silene laciniata [Caryophyllaceae]

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Scientific Name Silene laciniata USDA PLANTS Symbol SILA2
Common Name Cardinal Catchfly ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 20076
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink) SEINet
Reference
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Description Habitat: Along trails in forested areas at higher altitudes (>4000 ft.) in Big Bend and west to NM, AZ and CA.
Plant: Perennial with one or more slender straggling to erect stems; generally about 1 ft. and up to 3 ft tall.
Leaves: Variable stem leaves linear to lanceolate or oblanceolate, etc. and sessile, 1 to 2-1/3 inches long; with small hairs on both surfaces.
Inflorescence: Bright red tubular flowers, each about 1-1/2 inches across; 5 petals deeply incised into 4 pointed segments: green calyx tube about 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inches long with variable-shaped calyx lobes (lanceolate to oblong or obovate).
Bloom Period: May to October.
References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Northern Chihuahaun Desert Wildflowers" by Steve West and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Texas Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2022