Texas
Wildbuds

Silene gallica

(Windmill Catchfly)

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Silene gallica, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, Washington Co. 2720

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Silene gallica, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, Washington Co. 2725

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Silene gallica, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, Washington Co. 2714

Scientific Name Silene gallica USDA PLANTS Symbol SIGA
Common Name Windmill Catchfly ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 20067
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink) SEINet
Reference
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Description Habitat: Sandy and gravelly soils in dry, open areas along roadsides and waste areas; introduced from Europe (gallica ~ "French").
Plant: Annual or biennial with erect or decumbent, branched, sticky stems, up to 18 inches tall.
Leaves: Opposite leaves up to 3 inches long; basal leaves oblanceolate to spatulate, stem leaves shorter, lanceolate.
Inflorescence: One-sided racemes up to 6 inches long of small pink or white flowers less than 1/2 inch across; 5 spreading petals, calyx tube below petals about 1/4 inch long with purplish stripes.
Bloom Period: April to May.
Reference: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Wildflowers of Texas" by Michael Eason and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Texas Status:
Introduced

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2024