|
The cardinal catchfly (Silene laciniata) belongs to Caryophyllaceae (the Carnation family). It is a perennial her that is native to the southwestern United States from California to Texas, as well as northern Mexico. This herb grows in pine forests, grassy or brushy slopes, and up to a height of 20-120 cm. The stems are slender, much-branched glandular and sticky. The leaves are lanceolate and oblanceolate, pubescent on both surfaces. The bright red flowers bloom from August to September. The five petals are each divided deeply into 4 to 6 long, pointed lobes, sometimes appearing fringed. The flower has a tubular green or reddish calyx of fused sepals which is lined with ten prominent veins.
|