Five-wound catchfly (Silene gallica, Sp. Pl.: 417 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 417 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, W. Europe to Medit. and Caucasus

Description

The Five-wound catchfly, known scientifically as Silene gallica, is a captivating plant species belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. First described by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his famous work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this plant has a rich history and diverse habitats.

Predominantly found in regions ranging from Macaronesia and Western Europe to the Mediterranean and the Caucasus, the Five-wound catchfly thrives in a variety of ecological niches. Its adaptability to different environments has allowed it to flourish over a wide geographic range.

The plant is named for its distinctive morphological features, which may have inspired its common name. Characterized by its vibrant flowers, the Five-wound catchfly exhibits a beauty that attracts botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Whether growing in the wild or cultivated in gardens, this plant adds a touch of natural elegance to its surroundings.

In summary, Silene gallica or the Five-wound catchfly, is a remarkable species with a notable presence across several regions. Its discovery and classification by Linnaeus mark a significant point in botanical history, and its continued study provides valuable insights into the diversity and adaptability of plant life.

Common Names

Eng: common catchfly, french catchfly, small-flowered catchfly, five-wound catchfly, small-flower catchfly, english catchfly, windmill pink
Dan: fransk limurt
Deu: französisches leimkraut, französisches lichtnelke
Por: alfinete, alfinete-da-terra, rosa-do-campo
Nld: franse silene
Swe: franskglim
Lav: gallijas plaukšķene
Ces: silenka francouzská
Fra: silène de france
Cym: gludlys amryliw, gludlys brutanaidd
En: Five-wound catchfly, French catchfly, Small-flower catchfly, Common catchfly, Gunpowder weed, Small-flowered catchfly, Windmill catchfly, English catchfly, Windmill pink, Windmill campion
Af: Kruitbossie
Ar: سيلينة فرنسية
Ca: Silene gàl·lica
Zh: 匙葉麥瓶草
Cs: Silenka francouzská
Da: Fransk limurt
Nl: Franse silene
Fi: Ranskankohokki
Fr: Silène de France, Silène d’Angleterre
De: Französisches Leimkraut, Französisches Lichtnelke, Rauhe Nelke
He: ציפרנית צרפתית, ציפורנית צרפתית
It: Silene gallica
Lv: Gallijas plaukšķene
Pl: Lepnica francuska
Pt: Nariz-de-zorra, Alfinete, Alfinete-da-terra, Rosa-do-campo
Pt-br: Alfinete-francês, Alfinetes-da-terra
Sk: Silenka francúzska
Sv: Franskglim
Zh-tw: 匙葉麥瓶草
Uk: Смілка гальська
Cy: Gludlys amryliw, Gludlys Brutanaidd

Synonyms

• Silene gallica var. anglica ((L.) Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Silene gallica subsp. anglica ((L.) Syme)
• Silene gallica subsp. chermezonis (Sennen)
• Oncerum gallicum ((L.) Dulac)
• Silene gallica var. chermezonis (Sennen)
• Silene gallica var. divaricata (Gren. & Godr.)
• Silene gallica var. littoralis ((Jord.) Lange)
• Silene gallica var. prostrata (Merino)
• Silene arvensis (Salisb.)
• Silene gallica subsp. quinquevulnera ((L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Selvagens (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Afghanistan (introduced)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Saudi Arabia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Yemen (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Roberto Dessì (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2020 by padrós toni (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2017 by Bernard Sudan (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2019 by Julian Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2018 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Pasak Ewa (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 8, 2022 by Lisa Giovannoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Sarzah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Roberto Dessì (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 2, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by m Celik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 1882 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:332106-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384848)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silene gallica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth