Catchflies - Tumblr Posts

9 months ago
Fire Pink

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

@oliviarosaline


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