woodland wildflower
Wild Pink
Silene caroliniana
Also known as Sticky Catchfly
1 of 2Native to the Northeast and the Southeast
Massachusetts to Ohio, south to South Carolina and northern Alabama
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones 5–8 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Apr–Jun Flowering time
- Height up to 8 in to 20 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for partial shade and evenly moist soil. At up to 8 in, it tucks into shade gardens and woodland edges. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Two-spotted Bumble Bee also Perplexing Bumble Bee
- Flower flies The Merodon equestris Group
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- The Northeast and the SoutheastUnited States (18): AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, KY, MA, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WV. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Massachusetts to Ohio, south to South Carolina and northern AlabamaThe 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.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–8 · Canadian 6–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Well-drained, rocky soilThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 8 in (to 20 cm)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
- Apr–JunWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- PinkThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.