cardinal catchfly
ExplorePlants
cardinal catchfly
Silene laciniata
The cardinal catchfly is a bright red flower that loves to grow in sunny places. Its petals look like they are catching the sun, making it a beautiful sight in nature.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The cardinal catchfly has dazzling cardinal-red flowers with petals so deeply fringed they appear shredded or lacy. Its slender stems often have sticky glands, giving it a 'catchfly' reputation. This vibrant plant stands out with its fiery color in dry landscapes.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCaryophyllaceaeGenusSilene
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each petal is so deeply cut, it looks like a delicate, lacy snowflake!
It can bloom for many months, making hillsides look like they are on fire!
Its name 'catchfly' comes from sticky stems that can trap tiny bugs!
The brilliant red flowers are often visited by speedy hummingbird moths!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Defense
Cardinal catchfly has sticky glands on its stems that can trap small insects, protecting it from munching herbivores.
Ability
Fringed Signals
It has deeply fringed red petals that act like a bright target, guiding busy pollinators to its sweet nectar.
Ability
Desert Tough
Cardinal catchfly can thrive in dry, rocky soils, thanks to a strong root system that helps it find deep water.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 20-45 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Western Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus
Feeds on nectar, carrying pollen.
pollinates
White-lined Sphinx Moth
Hyles lineata
Visits flowers for nectar, especially at dusk.
pollinates
Yellow-faced Bumble Bee
Bombus vosnesenskii
Collects nectar and pollen.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch flowers in nature, as some can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is cardinal catchfly?
30-90 cm
How wide does cardinal catchfly spread?
20-45 cm
How big are the flowers on cardinal catchfly?
2-3 cm
When does cardinal catchfly bloom?
Spring to fall
Is cardinal catchfly edible?
No
Is cardinal catchfly toxic?
None
What is cardinal catchfly's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is cardinal catchfly pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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