Silene douglasii

Common Names

Douglas Catchfly, Douglas Campion, Seabluff Catchfly

Summary

Douglas's catchfly is a native tufted perennial herb of western North America, occurring in the Pacific Northwest and adjacent regions. It forms plants 4 to 16 inches tall, with a branched caudex and puberulent stems and leaves. Basal leaves are narrowly lanceolate or oblanceolate to 2 inches long, and stem leaves are linear. Flowers appear in cymes with five white petals divided into two lobes. A green calyx with ten veins surrounds the blossom, and central stamens and styles protrude.

Cultivation requires mesic, slightly humous, moist, well-drained soil in semi-shade, with suitability for alpine house settings. Propagation is by seed sown in spring (barely covered; 1–3 months germination at 13–18°C) or by cuttings in late summer. Ecology notes indicate pollinators, including Bombus vagans, Bombus pensylvanicus, and Bombus impatiens.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4 inches - 2.5 feet

Spread

4-16 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Rocky soil

Soil Drainage

Drained soil

Bloom Color

Creamy white, pink, purple

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Grayish white

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees