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]
| Silene alpestris | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| 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 | |
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]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Silene alpestris (SILAL)". EPPO Global Database. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ "Silene alpestris". Gardener's World.com. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ "Silene alpestris 'Flore Pleno'". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ "Silene alpestris 'Starry Dreams'". Gardener's World.com. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ "Silene alpestris". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
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