About Silene stellata (L.) Coyte
Silene stellata (L.) Coyte grows to between 0.3 and 1 metre (1 to 3 ft) tall, producing one or multiple stems that grow upward from its rootstock. Stems are purplish near the base, pale green toward the top, and purplish at all leaf nodes. Its leaves are lanceolate, sessile, and have smooth margins. Lower on the plant, leaves are arranged oppositely; along the rest of the stem, they grow in whorls of four. Leaves can reach up to 10 centimetres (4 in) long and 3.8 centimetres (1.5 in) wide. The inflorescence is a loose panicle made up of multiple branches, each holding 1 to 6 or more scentless white flowers that each have 5 petals. Individual flowers grow up to 1.9 centimetres (0.75 in) wide. This species grows in woods, river flats, and tall grass prairies, and prefers dry to mesic habitats with light shade or partial sun. It is native to central and eastern United States, with its range extending as far west as Texas, and as far east and north as Vermont. Silene stellata blooms from June through September, with a blooming period of 3 to 4 weeks. Its white flowers close during bright sun. Moths are the primary pollinators of this species, though butterflies also pollinate its flowers. It acts as a host plant for caterpillars of the Hadena ectypa moth.
