woodland wildflower
Cardinal catchfly
Silene laciniata
1 of 2Native to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas
Western Texas to central California, south to Mexico
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom May–Aug Flowering time
- Height up to 4 ft to 1.2 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for partial shade. At up to 4 ft, it suits shade gardens and woodland edges.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Pollinators & wildlife
- Hummingbirds Rivoli's Hummingbird also Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Arizona, California, New Mexico, and TexasUnited States (4): AZ, CA, NM, TX. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Western Texas to central California, south to MexicoThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Soil
- Rich, gravelly soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 4 ft (to 1.2 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- May–AugWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- RedThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.