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Maltese cross

How to identify Maltese cross (Silene chalcedonica)

Maltese cross, also known as Scarlet lightning, Dusky salmon

Maltese cross stands out vividly with stout, erect green stems reaching heights of 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm). This deciduous perennial flaunts eye-catching, bright scarlet red flowers, each petal distinctly arranged in a Maltese Cross shape. Basal leaves present as broad with rounded ends, while the higher foliage transitions into medium green, ovate to lanceolate forms. After summer blooms, maltese cross bears dry fruit capsules encapsulating numerous seeds.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Maltese cross

1

Erect stems reach 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm) with scarlet red Maltese Cross flowers.

2

Distinctive ovoid fruit capsule splits into five lobes with numerous small reddish-brown seeds.

3

Leaves vary in shape from lanceolate to ovate, 2 to 5 inches long (5 to 13 cm).

4

Light green, stout stem up to 3 feet (90 cm) with minimal branching supports flower clusters.

5

Flowers form corymb clusters with scarlet red petals in a Maltese Cross shape.

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Detailed Traits of Maltese cross

Leaf Features

The leaves of maltese cross are opposite, ranging from lanceolate to ovate in shape, and measure 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) long and 0.75 to 3.5 inches (2 to 9 cm) wide. The upper surface is medium green with sparse hairs, while the lower surface is a lighter green with similar sparse hairs. The base of the leaf is rounded. The basal leaves are broader with rounded ends.

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Flower Features

The flowers of maltese cross are corymb-like clusters, with each cluster measuring 1.5 to 3.5 inches (4 to 9 cm) in diameter. Each flower is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and features five scarlet red petals forming a Maltese Cross shape. The petals are deeply cleft into two lobes with somewhat ragged tips, complemented by a light green calyx. Red filaments with yellow anthers highlight the stamens. Blooming occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting around 2 to 3 weeks.

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Stem Features

The stem of maltese cross is light green and notably stout, with a sturdy, erect posture. Its surface is covered with fine hairs, providing a slightly rough texture. It typically reaches heights of up to 3 feet (90 cm), with minimal or no branching, maintaining a simplistic structure. The central stem prominently supports the head-like cluster of flowers, making it a key feature for identification. The overall robustness and sparse branching pattern are distinctive characteristics of this plant's stem.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of maltese cross is an intriguing ovoid capsule, approximately 1/3 inch (about 8.5 mm) in length. Upon maturity, it reveals its seeds by splitting open into five distinct lobes. Contained within are numerous reddish-brown, kidney-shaped seeds, small in size, with dimensions ranging from 0.7 to 1 mm in diameter. This botanic capsule and its seed characteristics are noteworthy for those with a budding interest in plant identification.

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Maltese cross and Their Similar Plants

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Rose campion vs. Maltese cross: What's The Difference?
The rose campion is an important ornamental plant and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It natives to Asia and Europe and now is widely cultivated. The Latin Silene coronaria stands for used for garlands and is sometimes referred to as Lychnis coronaria in the United Kingdom.
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This plant grows in tight carpets or mounds in rocky, mountainous regions and tundras. This perennial is also planted in rock gardens due to the attractiveness of its tiny leaves as well as the pink or lavender flowers that bloom profusely in summer. The first flowers of the year will appear on the south side. Moss campion plants have long lifespans, with some in Alaska exceeding 300 years of age.
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Fire pink vs. Maltese cross: What's The Difference?
Fire pink (Silene virginica) is a flowering plant native to eastern and midwestern North America. It is a wildflower and is sometimes planted in native prairies and rock gardens. Fire pink attracts the pollinator the ruby-throated hummingbird.
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Widowsfrill vs. Maltese cross: What's The Difference?
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Sticky catchfly vs. Maltese cross: What's The Difference?
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Key Facts About Maltese cross

Attributes of Maltese cross
Lifespan
Perennial, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
35 cm to 1 m
Flower Color
Red
Orange
Pink
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Maltese cross

Family
Pink
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Species
Maltese cross (Silene chalcedonica)
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Distribution Map of Maltese cross

Maltese cross, a plant native to northern Asia and parts of eastern Europe, has spread well beyond its original range. It has been introduced to various regions across northern Europe, as well as select areas in North America and Southeast Asia. Additionally, maltese cross is cultivated in numerous places, thus expanding its presence beyond areas where it is naturally found or typically introduced.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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