How to identify Fire pink (Silene virginica)

How to identify Fire pink (Silene virginica)

Fire pink is recognized by its hairy, sticky stems that stand erect and can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). This herbaceous perennial sprouts most of its leaves at the base, displaying a lanceolate to spatulate shape and a medium to dark green color. Along the stem, 2 to 8 pairs of opposite leaves are observed. The plant culminates in a striking display of 3 to 10 vivid scarlet red flowers, each 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) across with five spreading petals that exhibit deep notches at their tips. Post-bloom, flowers give way to tan seed capsules.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Fire pink

Sticky, hairy stems reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height with branching at the base.

Vivid scarlet red flowers, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) wide, with 5 deep-notched spreading petals.

Ovoid tan fruit capsule with six teeth at the opening and flat, gray kidney-shaped seeds.

Basal and stem leaves are lanceolate to spatulate, medium to dark green, with smooth margins.

Blooms of scarlet or crimson red, sticky calyx tube with green to purple hues and 10 stamens.

Detailed Traits of Fire pink

Leaf Features

The leaves of fire pink are medium to dark green, featuring both basal and stem varieties. Basal leaves are lanceolate to spatulate, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide. Stem leaves reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, appearing opposite in 2 to 8 pairs. Initially hairy, the leaves become nearly hairless as they mature. The margins are entire, contributing to their smooth outline.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of fire pink are scarlet or crimson red, measuring 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in diameter. Each flower has 5 spreading, narrow, notched petals. The greenish sepals are tinged with red and form a sticky tube with a 5-toothed rim. The tubular calyx ranges from green to purple. Inside, there are 10 stamens and 3 styles that are shorter than the petals. Blooms appear from late May to early July.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of fire pink is mostly erect, glandular, and covered with sticky, hairy textures. This sticky substance is known for trapping small insects. The stem branches at the base, originating from the basal leaves, and extends upward where it commonly forms cymes of flowers. The stems can reach an average height of approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), with a slightly reddish hue. These unique properties, including the sticky textures and branching pattern, are distinctive for identifying fire pink.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of fire pink is an ovoid capsule, roughly tan in color. As the capsule matures, it exhibits a distinctive feature of six teeth at its opening. Upon dehiscence, it splits to release numerous flat, kidney-shaped seeds, which bear a rough texture and a gray hue. These seeds are typically seen from late June through late July, marking the fruiting period of this species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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