Catchflies

Catchflies is a common name applied to several flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, particularly species in the genera Silene and Lychnis. The name is historical and derives from reports that some species bear sticky hairs or resin on stems and calyx that could trap small insects; the plants are not true carnivorous species, but the texture is a noted characteristic of some members.

The term catchfly is not a formal taxonomic group. Notable species frequently associated with the name include Silene armeria (common catchfly), Silene latifolia (white campion), Silene dioica (red campion), and Lychnis coronaria (rose campion; now often placed in Silene as Silene coronaria). These plants are native primarily to Europe and western Asia and are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, with several naturalizing outside their native range.

Botanically, catchflies are herbaceous plants, ranging from annuals to perennials. They typically have opposite leaves and produce flowers with five petals, often with a distinctive notch, arranged in cymes or loose clusters. The calyx is usually tubular and may be bristly or inflated. Flower color ranges from white to pink, red, or purple, and blooming generally occurs in spring to summer. They are valued for their long-lasting flowers and ability to attract bees and other pollinators.

Cultivation notes include preference for sun and well-drained soil; many species tolerate a range of conditions and can be propagated by seed or division. Some catchflies may self-seed readily, making them common in borders, wildflower gardens, and informal plantings.