Whorled catchfly (Silene stellata, Ind. Plant.: 373 (1807))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (L.) Coyte

Bibliography: Ind. Plant.: 373 (1807)

Year: 1807

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Whorled catchfly, scientifically known as Silene stellata, is a captivating species of flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It was cited in the publication Ind. Plant.: 373 in the year 1807 by the botanical authority denoted as (L.) Coyte.

Found predominantly in the Central and Eastern regions of the United States, this plant is distinctive and easily identifiable by its unique whorled leaf arrangement. Typically, the leaves are arranged in a pattern that encircles the stem at each node, which contributes to the common name “whorled catchfly.”

The flowers of Silene stellata are particularly noteworthy, exhibiting a star-like appearance with petals that can vary in shades, creating an appealing display during its blooming period. This floral arrangement not only enhances the plant’s ornamental value but also plays a significant role in attracting pollinators, thereby ensuring its role in the local ecosystem continues.

As a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, whorled catchfly shares several characteristics with related species, such as the basal rosette form in young plants and the tendency for the flowers to be dioecious, meaning individual plants bear either male or female flowers.

This botanical gem thrives in various habitats, ranging from woodlands to open fields, and it contributes to the biodiversity and aesthetic value of these regions. Gardeners and nature enthusiasts often appreciate it for its resilience and the charming beauty it brings to natural landscapes.

Understanding and appreciating the ecological role and the distinct features of Silene stellata, the whorled catchfly, enhances our admiration of flora and the intricate web of life they support. Whether observed in wild settings or cultivated gardens, this plant undoubtedly earns its place as a notable member of the Caryophyllaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: starry campion
En: Whorled catchfly, Starry Campion, Starry Catchfly, Widowsfrill, Widow’s-frill, Widow’s frill
Fr: Silène cilié, Silène étoilé

Synonyms

• Cucubalus stellatus (L.)
• Evactoma stellata ((L.) Raf.)
• Viscago stellata ((L.) Rchb.)
• Evactoma stellata var. scabrella (Nieuwl.)
• Silene scabrella ((Nieuwl.) G.N.Jones)
• Silene stellata var. scabrella ((Nieuwl.) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 31, 2013 by EOL − athryn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 9, 2015 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 9, 2015 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 2, 2019 by Frances Craig-Bettis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Forty Adam (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by EOL − marystarkp (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 8, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 9, 2015 by EOL − Jonathan Carpenter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 3, 2015 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 14, 2015 by EOL − Corey Lange (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jun 8, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 8, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/10889111)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:158428-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silene stellata (L.) W.T. Aiton)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384756)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth