Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Caryophyllaceae

Genus:

Silene

Species:

Silene antirrhina

USDA Symbol:

SIAN2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

80 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Often colonizes disturbed and burned areas; benefits from open conditions post-fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

commonly found in disturbed areas and open fields

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI