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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Silene californica

Silene californica Durand

Indian Pink, Indian-pink

Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: SICA4

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Several leafy, somewhat straggling stems arise from the deep taproot of this perennial and are 6-16 in. long. The flowers are extremely showy, up to an inch across. They are a brilliant, scarlet-red with notched or slashed petals. Pairs of dark-green leaves are covered with minute, sticky, soft hairs.

This is a hummingbird favorite.

From the Image Gallery

4 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Stems decumbent at base, straggling to erect, up to about 16 inches long.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CA , OR
Native Distribution: S. CA, n. to Josephine Co., OR
Native Habitat: Open, brushy areas or woods below 5000 ft.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: California Indian pink tends to get straggly with age. Stems can be cut back just after flowering to encourage new growth later.

Propagation

Description: Propagate with seeds or cuttings since it is difficult to divide the deep taproot. Plant seeds in fall. Germination may be slow and erratic. Seedlings will flower the second year.
Seed Treatment: No treatment is required.
Commercially Avail: yes

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Silene californica in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Silene californica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Silene californica

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-27
Research By: TWC Staff

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