Fire Pink

The term “silene” likely comes from the Greek sialon, meaning “saliva”. Virginica refers to the native eastern range of the plant.

As usual there is more than one common name for this plant. It is generally referred to as Fire Pink. Another name, Catchfly is due to the sticky nature of the stems and leaves. Small insects may become trapped against the tacky foliage.

The blooms of Fire Pink are bright red. I can understand the “fire” part of the common name, but there is nothing pink about the flowers. In fact, the late Dan Tenaglia described them as "some of the most brilliant red flowers in nature". If you haven’t ever visited his website, check it out. You are in for a treat. Search for 'Missouriplants'.

The brilliant red flowers are large and conspicuous, measuring about 1 to 1.5 inches. Many flowers are produced on each plant. Flowers have five petals which are prominently notched at the tip. This helps to distinguish Silene virginica from a close relative, Silene regia, which has bright red flowers that are not notched.

The long-lasting flowers of Silene virginica change from male to female during their blooming period. The male phase typically lasts 2 days, with ten anthers (in sets of five) arising from the corolla tube during this time. Three styles appear on the third day and curve, becoming receptive to pollen on day four. Nectar is produced throughout the life of the flower with the amount of sugar increasing with flower age. Once the flower fades, the swollen calyx bends downward.

Silene virginica is a short-lived perennial native to the eastern North America, except for the most northeastern states.

The 2 foot tall plant is easily spotted within the surrounding spring vegetation. A basal rosette composed of spatulate leaves produces multiple stems. The calyx and stems of Silene virginica are hairy and somewhat sticky. This sticky substance prevents ants and other insects from stealing the nectar. You'll often noticed tiny insects stuck here and there on these plant parts. It can be challenging to obtain a clear photo of the stem and leaves that's free of insects and other debris!

The upper leaves are opposite and variably hirsute. Each stem terminates in multiple flower buds.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the most important pollinator of Fire pink.

Butterflies are also common visitors that may play a role in pollinating this beautiful wildflower.

On Ozarkedge, I’ve found Silene virginica growing in varied habitats. One colony occurs where open woods meet the rocky glade.

The other habitat is mesic woods where the plants are often found in a damp and more shady habitat and along creek banks.

Silene virginica is native to most states east of the Mississippi river as well as Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Its listed as Critically Imperiled in Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan and Delaware. It has Imperiled status in Louisiana and Vulnerable status in Illinois. It's Apparently secure in Mississippi, and Secure in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. All other states show No Status Rank.

Scarlet catchfly is another common name used for Silene virginica. This refers to the sticky calyx hairs that trap small insects and debris. It's thought this stickiness is the plants defence against ants crawling up the stem to 'steal' nectar. In the photo below, there is an ant on the main stem below the leaves. The calyx of the flower is clearly 'sticky' with some debris. I wonder if the ant made it to the flower....or not.