Silene scouleri

Common Names

Scouler's Catchfly, Simple Campion, Coastal Scouler's Catchfly, Scouler's Campion, Simple Catchfly

Summary

Native to western North America from British Columbia to California and Colorado, this perennial herb has erect, usually unbranched stems rising from a woody caudex and reaching about 20–80 cm in height. Basal leaves are oblanceolate and up to 15 cm long, with cauline leaves opposite and lanceolate along the stem. The inflorescence is cymose with dense clusters at stem tips; the calyx is tubular and densely pubescent, and petals are white (sometimes greenish or pink-tinged) or pink, with 2–4 lobes and two appendages. Flowers bloom in summer, typically June to August, followed by ellipsoid capsules.

In cultivation, preference is for sunny, dry, rocky soils and habitats such as prairies, grasslands, open forest, meadows, and coastal bluffs. Propagation occurs by seed or cuttings; seeds stored refrigerated and germination is high. Pollinators include moths and hummingbirds, making it a suitable choice for native plant landscapes and habitat plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0.5-3 feet

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Rocky, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

Greenish-white, pink-tinged

Bloom Time

Summer

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and moths