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Silene stellata
Silene stellata (L.) W.T. Aiton
Widow's Frill, Starry Campion
Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
Synonym(s): Silene stellata var. scabrella
USDA Symbol: SIST
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
An erect, loosely branching, perennial with lance-shaped leaves in whorls of four and terminal clusters of white, tubular flowers with flaring, deeply fringed petals. The sticky-stemmed plants average 2-3 ft. high. Deeply fringed, 5-petaled white flowers clustered atop tall slender stalks, with leaves mostly in whorls of 4.
This delicate wildflower is pollinated by butterflies and many kinds of moths. It is often grown in wildflower gardens.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVNative Distribution: RI to MN, s. to GA, AR, OK & e. TX
Native Habitat: Dry, upland woods; wooded slopes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rich soils.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed or cuttings. Seeds can be sown outdoors immediately after collection or stored, pretreated and sown later. Divide mature plants in late fall or early spring by removing outer rosettes.Seed Collection: This plant declines quickly after flowering so it is best to flag the plant. Seeds mature 2-3 weeks after the bloom period. Vigorous plants may have flowers and dehisced capsules at the same time. Mature capsules should be swollen, pale green or tan, and split readily when pinched. Refrigerate in sealed containers.
Seed Treatment: 3-4 weeks of cold-moist stratification.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.Search More Titles in Bibliography
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 stellata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Silene stellata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Silene stellata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-28Research By: TWC Staff