Silene ovata

Common Names

Blue Ridge Catchfly, Mountain Catchfly, Ovate Catchfly

Summary

Silene ovata is a perennial herb in the Caryophyllaceae family with stems 0.3–1.5 m tall and opposite, clasping leaves that are lanceolate to ovate. It produces a panicle-like inflorescence of white flowers with five petals that are sometimes described as deeply dissected or fringed; the fruit is a capsule. Reproduction occurs sexually by seed and vegetatively via underground rhizomes; flowers open at night and are pollinated primarily by moths, with possible visitation by bees and butterflies.

Its native range covers the eastern United States from Illinois to Georgia, extending south to Mississippi and Virginia, with most populations in rich hardwood forests on alkaline, calcareous, or high-pH soils. Globally ranked as G3 (vulnerable), it is rare to uncommon in higher elevations and holds regional statuses such as threatened or of concern in several states; conservation focuses on habitat protection, surveys, and maintaining hardwood canopy to support populations.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Spread

0.5-8 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained alkaline to circumneutral soil (pH 6–8), often rocky or over limestone, with textures ranging from sandy loam to clay loam

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (avoid standing water)

Soil pH

5.8-6.4, neutral (6.0–8.0)

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

About 3 feet tall on average.

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts moths as primary nocturnal pollinators, may attract bees and butterflies, no mention of hummingbirds or birds