woodland wildflower

Fire pink

Silene virginica

Also known as Scarlet Catchfly

Native to much of the USA and southern Canada

New Jersey to southern Ontario, south to Florida and Oklahoma

In the garden

A woodland wildflower for partial shade and dry to moist soil. Its red flowers peak in April. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8.

Light

Full sun Partial shade Full shade

Moisture

Dry Moist Wet

Find your zone:

The Fire pink's red flowers bloom March to June, peaking in April. This spring display draws butterflies.

Fire pink blooms redFoliage

Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.

Habitat: WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
Native range: Much of the USA and southern CanadaUnited States (22): AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV. Canada (1): ON. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
Native distribution: New Jersey to southern Ontario, south to Florida and OklahomaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.

Light: Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
Moisture: Dry to moistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
Hardiness zones: USDA 5–8 · Canadian 7–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
Soil: Well-drained, rocky, acid soils. Poor soils preferredThe soils it grows in naturally.
Water use: Low to mediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.

Life cycle: PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).