Silene regia – Royal Catchfly ( B&B.H.HMR.NB.OP.SHWY)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Royal catchfly is a 2-5 ft., erect perennial with bright-red, tubular flowers. The flowers flare into five, slightly toothed, slender petals and are up to 2 in. across. The stems are smooth, but the broad, sometimes clasping leaves, are pubescent.

Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers a sandy or gravelly soil. Excellent drainage is essential for growing this plant.  It occurs in dry, rocky soils in open woods, wood margins and prairies in its native habitat.

A clump-forming perennial which grows 3-4′ tall. Small clusters of 5-petaled, scarlet red flowers (2″ across) appear in summer. Sticky calyx can trap or “catch” small insects, hence the common name. Long, slender, often reclining stems. 10-20 pairs of downy, lance-shaped leaves (to 5″ long). Similar to fire pink (Silene virginica), except royal catchfly is taller and blooms later, leaves are thicker and flower petals lack n

The red flowers attract hummingbirds.

Host plant for several species of butterflies and moths.