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.