Silene alpestris | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
Genus: | Silene |
Species: | S. alpestris
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Binomial name | |
Silene alpestris |
Silene alpestris, the alpine catch-fly, is a species of flowering plant in the pink family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe in the mountains of Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.[1] This spreading, mat-forming evergreen perennial grows to 15 centimetres (6 inches) tall by 30 cm (12 in) broad. It produces masses of tiny white flowers over a long period in spring and summer.[2]
A double-flowered cultivar, 'Flore Pleno', has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] 'Starry Dreams' is a more floriferous cultivar than the species.[4] All forms are suitable subjects for an alpine garden or rock garden with good drainage. Alkaline or neutral soils are preferred.
Some authorities regard S. alpestris as a synonym of Heliosperma alpestre.[5]