Louisiana Catchfly (Silene subciliata)

 

There are several healthy patches of Louisiana catchfly in the arboretum. Only two are marked, and even if the plants have a tag, it can still be a challenge figuring out which plants the tag refers to. For instance, in the above photo, the catchfly leaves are obscured by a clump of Oxalis.

But if you know what you are looking for, then it's easy to spot the catchfly flower stalks.

If you see these pods, give them a shake. If you hear a slight, delicate rattle, then that means there are seeds waiting to be harvested. Surprisingly, this group of flower stalks still had seeds.

 

 All photos taken on February 12, 2021.

Summer Flowers

The Louisiana catchfly flowers have started opening this week. This is a happy little native plant to keep in your yard. It doesn't take up much space. It likes a little shade, and it produces beautiful flowers during the long, hot days of summer.

Summer Update: Fruits and Flowers

There are a handful of immature fruits on the strawberry bush (Euonymus americanus), growing in the shade of our on-site native sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). When the capsules open, they should reveal bright red seeds (do NOT eat).

The drupes of the Georgia holly (Ilex longipes) are ripening.

We have been watching the Mexican plums (Prunus mexicana) this summer. Numerous fruits fell early, but the branches are still heavy with ripening plums.

The fruits of the arrowwood bushes (Viburnum dentatum) are almost black.

Here we have a Gulf fritillary caterpillar conveniently stationed on its obligatory food source: the yellow passion flower vine (Passiflora lutea). The vine isn't long for this world.

The creeping cucumber vine (Melothria pendula) is producing fruits. These are said to be poisonous, so don't eat these.

 

 

 

 

In the arboretum collection, we have two kinds of French mulberry (Callicarpa americana). One produces purple berries; the other produces white berries. Above, we have an individual that produces the white variety--these berries won't turn purple.

The Louisiana catchfly (Silene subciliata) may not actually catch flies, but it certainly does catch the eye! They provide a bold dash of color in the late summer landscape. This nice patch is growing under a white oak (Quercus alba).

Summer Update

Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) has been flowering for a couple of months now. The water droplets in the photo are courtesy of the arboretum's sprinklers. Although, over the past couple of days we have had some rain.

Fruits of the persimmon tree (Diospyros virginiana) blend in with the leaves. They aren't ripe yet, but getting bigger.

The red buckeyes (Aesculus pavia) still have most of their leaves and their fruits are conspicuous.

The big-leaf snowbells (Styrax grandifolia) are covered in little fruits.

There is only one, but very large, nut on the little pignut hickory (Carya glabra).

Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana) fruits are ripening on the branch. Much of the fruit has dropped to the ground early.

Louisiana catchfly (Silene subciliata) flowers are a brilliant red. There are several nice patches scattered throughout the arboretum.

We're waiting on Magnolia grandiflora to reveal its bright red seeds.

Cones are hanging from the branches of the spruce pine (Pinus glabra).

The stunning fruits of the French mulberry (Callicarpa americana) bushes are typically a sign of the end of summer, transitioning to fall. There are approximately 10 significant bushes throughout the arboretum, with only one or two bushes showing off their ripening berries.