Sticky Catchfly Silene caroliniana

Wild Pink is a showy native perennial wildflower with loose clusters of rosy, pink blooms that appear in the spring.  The plant is semi-evergreen, compact, mounding, and mat-forming. The flowers are borne atop sticky stems and are surrounded by narrow lance-shaped leaves.  It is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family that includes carnations and pinks.

Wild Pink is native to the central and eastern United States. It is found in acidic sandy soils of open, dry, gravelly woodlands and slopes.  This low-growing wildflower may produce 50 to 100 flowers on a single plant.  It has been listed as endangered in the state of Florida.

There are three subspecies of this plant. Silene caroliniana subsp. wherryi is a native of Missouri and is found in the central Ozarks. Silene caroliniana subsp. caroliniana is found in the southeastern United States and Silene caroliniana subsp. pensylvanica is found in the northeastern United States.

The genus name, Silene, is derived from "catchfly" or "campion." The plants in this genus have sticky hairs that discourage ants and other insects from eating the plant. The species name, caroliniana, means "from the Carolinas."

Wild Pink prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral, sandy, or gravelly soils in full sun to partial shade.  As the plant matures, it is more drought and dry soil tolerant. They will do well in rock gardens or the front of the border. It is best to avoid wet heavy soils to prevent root rot. The plant does not like to be disturbed once established. it can be reproduced by seeds, cuttings, or division. 

The rosy, pink flowers are tubular and spread out to form five wedge-shaped petals and appear very similar to phlox. The dense cluster of flowers is even with the narrow lance-shaped basal foliage that forms a compact mound about 6 to 12 inches high.

Wild Pink is a colorful groundcover for a perennial border, wildflower garden, cottage garden, native plant garden, pollinator garden, or rock garden. Butterflies and hummingbirds will enjoy the nectar of the flowers. 

Seasons of interest:

Bloom: Spring         Foliage:  Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter   

Quick ID Hints:

• compact, mounding, mat-forming
• sticky green stems
• narrow, lance-shaped semi-evergreen basal leaves
• 2 to 4 smaller paired stem leaves 
• loose clusters of rosy, pink tubular blooms that spread to form five wedge-shaped petals
• fruit capsule that splits open and releases tiny brown seeds

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Wild Pink is generally disease and pest-free. Poorly drained or wet soils can result in root rot.