Texas Wildbuds
Silene gallica
(Windmill Catchfly)
Silene gallica, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, Washington Co. 2720
Silene gallica, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, Washington Co. 2725
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 |
Click Here |
| 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 2025