Royal Catchfly (Silene regia)
Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, is a striking native perennial found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands in southern and central Illinois. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun to partial shade, thriving in dry to mesic conditions.
This showy wildflower features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and tall, unbranched stems topped with vivid scarlet-red, star-shaped flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. The intensely colored blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds and large butterflies, making Royal Catchfly a pollinator favorite. The plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and stands out dramatically in prairie plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Silene regia is a rare and valuable choice for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and wildflower borders. Its brilliant flowers offer stunning visual appeal while supporting native wildlife. Because it is somewhat sensitive to disturbance and competition, it does best in well-managed sites alongside other low- to mid-stature prairie plants like Butterfly Weed, Purple Prairie Clover, and Little Bluestem.
Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, is a striking native perennial found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands in southern and central Illinois. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun to partial shade, thriving in dry to mesic conditions.
This showy wildflower features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and tall, unbranched stems topped with vivid scarlet-red, star-shaped flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. The intensely colored blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds and large butterflies, making Royal Catchfly a pollinator favorite. The plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and stands out dramatically in prairie plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Silene regia is a rare and valuable choice for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and wildflower borders. Its brilliant flowers offer stunning visual appeal while supporting native wildlife. Because it is somewhat sensitive to disturbance and competition, it does best in well-managed sites alongside other low- to mid-stature prairie plants like Butterfly Weed, Purple Prairie Clover, and Little Bluestem.
Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, is a striking native perennial found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands in southern and central Illinois. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun to partial shade, thriving in dry to mesic conditions.
This showy wildflower features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and tall, unbranched stems topped with vivid scarlet-red, star-shaped flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. The intensely colored blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds and large butterflies, making Royal Catchfly a pollinator favorite. The plant typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and stands out dramatically in prairie plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Silene regia is a rare and valuable choice for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and wildflower borders. Its brilliant flowers offer stunning visual appeal while supporting native wildlife. Because it is somewhat sensitive to disturbance and competition, it does best in well-managed sites alongside other low- to mid-stature prairie plants like Butterfly Weed, Purple Prairie Clover, and Little Bluestem.
Bloom: mid- to late summer
Habitats: mesic black soil prairies; open areas along roadsides and railroads; openings in upland forests; savannas; scrubby barrens
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to slightly dry
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: clay-loam; loam; rocky material