Sand catchfly (Silene conica, Sp. Pl.: 418 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 418 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., NW. Africa, Europe to C. Asia and Afghanistan

Description

Sand catchfly, known scientifically as Silene conica, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. First described by botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753, this species has captivated plant enthusiasts and botanists alike with its unique characteristics and widespread presence.

Silene conica thrives in a variety of geographical locations. It can be found in the Canary Islands, throughout Northwestern Africa, across large swathes of Europe, and extending to Central Asia and Afghanistan. This broad distribution speaks to the plant’s adaptability and resilience in different climatic and soil conditions.

The sand catchfly is renowned for its distinctive appearance. The plant typically features slender stems that can reach various heights, adorned with soft, hairy leaves that give it a delicate yet sturdy look. The flowers of Silene conica are usually pink or whitish, arranged in dense clusters that stand out vividly against the backdrop of its foliage. These blooms are particularly attractive to pollinators, thus playing an essential role in local ecosystems by supporting biodiversity.

Ecologically, Silene conica is often found in sandy or dry soils, which is reflective of its name. The plant has a remarkable ability to thrive in environments where many other species might struggle, often dominating sandy terrains and benefiting from the reduced competition.

In addition to its ecological significance, Silene conica also holds potential in the horticultural world. Its unique blooms and adaptability make it an interesting choice for naturalistic gardening projects, especially in regions that mimic its native habitats. For gardeners looking to cultivate a piece of the wild and untamed beauty of nature, the sand catchfly offers an intriguing option.

Overall, Silene conica, or sand catchfly, is a plant that encapsulates resilience and beauty in the face of challenging environments. Its widespread presence across continents underscores its ecological importance and adaptability, making it a subject of interest for botanists and plant lovers around the globe.

Common Names

Deu: kegel-leimkraut, kegelfrüchtige lichtnelke
Dan: kegle-limurt
Pol: lepnica smukła
Fra: silène conique
Eng: striped corn catchfly, conical catchfly, sand catchfly, striated catchfly
Nld: kegelsilene
Lav: konisk
Swe: sandglim, vanlig sandglim
Nno: sandsmelle
Nob: sandsmelle
Cym: gludlys rheianog, gludlys rhesenog, gludlys rhesog, gludlys y tywod, rhesenog
Kat: ქოთანა
En: Sand catchfly, Conical catchfly, Striated catchfly, Striped corn catchfly
Bg: Конично плюскавиче
Ca: Silene cònica
Cs: Silenka kuželovitá
Da: Kegle-limurt
Nl: Kegelsilene
Fr: Silène conique
Ka: Ქოთანა
De: Kegel-Leimkraut, Kegelfrüchtige Lichtnelke, Kegelfrüchtiges Leimkraut
It: Silene conica
Lv: Konisk
Nb: Sandsmelle
Nn: Sandsmelle
Fa: سیلن مخروطی
Pl: Lepnica smukła
Sk: Silenka kužeľovitá
Sv: Sandglim, Vanlig sandglim
Cy: Gludlys y tywod, Gludlys Rheianog, Gludlys Rhesenog, Gludlys Rhesog, Rhesenog

Synonyms

• Pleconax conica ((L.) Šourková)
• Silene conoidea var. conica ((L.) Fiori)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuwait (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 19, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2019 by Mia Depestele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Yves PENIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Spera Daniela Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 31, 1883 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Laurent PETIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 1849 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 12, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384774)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:157130-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silene conica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth