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Photographer: Merel R. Black
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Family Caryophyllaceae
Silene virginica L.
fire pink, scarlet catchfly
Silene: probably from Greek sialon, "saliva," referring to gummy exudation on stems, and/or named for Silenus, intoxicated foster-father of Bacchus (god of wine) who was covered with foam, much like the glandular secretions of many species of this genus.
virginica: of Virginia
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| Status: | Endangered |
| Plant: | erect, perennial, 8"-32" tall forb |
| Flower: | red to orange, 5-parted, 1"- 1 1/2" wide, sepals forming a wide tube, petals 2-lobed; inflorescence open, with 7 or more flowers; blooms May-Sept. |
| Leaf: | basal leaves stalked, 2-4 pairs of stalkless stem leaves |
| Habitat: | moderate moisture; woods, slopes; in rich, rocky soil |
| (Glossary) |
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