Native Plants
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Silene californica
Silene californica Durand
Indian Pink, Indian-pink
Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SICA4
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Several leafy, somewhat straggling stems arise from the deep taproot of this perennial and are 6-16 in. long. The flowers are extremely showy, up to an inch across. They are a brilliant, scarlet-red with notched or slashed petals. Pairs of dark-green leaves are covered with minute, sticky, soft hairs.
This is a hummingbird favorite.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Stems decumbent at base, straggling to erect, up to about 16 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: CA , ORNative Distribution: S. CA, n. to Josephine Co., OR
Native Habitat: Open, brushy areas or woods below 5000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: California Indian pink tends to get straggly with age. Stems can be cut back just after flowering to encourage new growth later.
Propagation
Description: Propagate with seeds or cuttings since it is difficult to divide the deep taproot. Plant seeds in fall. Germination may be slow and erratic. Seedlings will flower the second year.Seed Treatment: No treatment is required.
Commercially Avail: yes
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Silene californica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Silene californica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Silene californica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-27Research By: TWC Staff