Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Caryophyllaceae

Genus:

Silene

Species:

Silene occidentalis

USDA Symbol:

SIOC

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, moths

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown following fire; found in fire-adapted montane and chaparral communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained sandy loam

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers open, sunny habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds may germinate erratically; light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI