FRINGED CAMPION

Silene laciniata

Pink Family (Caryophyllaceae)

This spectacular summer-flowering perennial is restricted to the southeastern corner of our region, extending from the southern Colorado Plateau into northern Mexico. A related form occurs in coastal California. It grows in the semi-shade beneath shrubs and near rocks along washes in the foothills. It has a rather delicate growth habit that looks as if it would hardly support the large, scarlet-orange orchidlike flowers. Fringed campion is rarely seen in gardens but is easily grown from seed, so that if warranted by demand, it could readily be made available. It combines well with slender summer flowers like Lewis flax and shortstem buckwheat and looks especially pretty planted against sheltering rocks. Like most natives with red flowers, it is popular with hummingbirds.