Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Caryophyllaceae

Genus:

Silene

Species:

Silene laciniata subsp. californica

USDA Symbol:

SICA4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

45 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

red

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

hummingbirds, butterflies

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock following fire; common in chaparral and montane communities with periodic fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

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

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI