Minnesota Wildflowers


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Silene csereii (Balkan Catchfly)

Plant Info
Also known as:
Genus:Silene
Family:Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Life cycle:biennial, short-lived perennial
Origin:Europe
Habitat:part shade, sun; dry; fields, along roads, waste areas
Bloom season:June - September
Plant height:to 40 inches tall
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals raceme

[photo of flower] Flowers are in long branching racemes at the top of the plant. Individual flowers have 5 white petals that are usually rolled up, each petal divided into 2 lobes. There are long purple tinged stamens that extend out, and a tubular base (calyx) cupping the flower. The calyx is light green, smooth with faint parallel veins and triangular lobes. Flowers are about ¾ inch long from the base of the calyx to the tip of the stamens.

Leaves and stem: opposite simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are up to 4 inches long, 1½ inches wide, toothless and hairless, with a pointed tip and no leaf stem. Leaf color is slightly blue-green. Attachment is opposite. The main stem is smooth, the color is light green.

Notes:

I've found very little information about this plant, so I think it is not very common, at least not yet. I have only seen a few plants growing in a few parks, but its numbers seem to be growing. The distinguishing feature of Balkan Catchfly is the calyx. Most campions, such as the prevalent White Campion, have a distinctly ridged calyx, where Balkan Catchfly's is smooth.

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More photos

Photos taken at Wild River State Park, Center City, MN and Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN June-July 2008

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Jim in LeSueur County, Lake Washington
on: 2010-06-11 17:50:52

I am positive this is what we have. First year I have noticed this plant on our bluff area of lakeshore.

Posted by: JB in Randall, Morrison County
on: 2010-07-09 15:35:44

We have this plant, first year I've seen it, along our driveway. One good clump and a couple tiny plants also.

Posted by: Karin in Coldwater Springs, Minneapolis
on: 2011-06-20 11:03:28

Found along the crumbling asphalt of the old bureau of mines campus in Minneapolis near Fort Snelling.

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