Okay to grow “Clifford Moor” Catchfly? - Ask Extension
I bought the above plant based on it’s beauty. My research about it seems conflicting about whether it’s okay to grow. It apparently not native....
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Okay to grow “Clifford Moor” Catchfly? #790595
Asked May 13, 2022, 12:00 PM EDT
I bought the above plant based on it’s beauty. My research about it seems conflicting about whether it’s okay to grow. It apparently not native.
Thanks!
Joy
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Joy,
Silene dioica is not native, you are correct, but does not appear to be invasive in our area. The species does appear in a few scattered records as having been observed growing in natural areas in Maryland, but it is not listed in the Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool database, which catalogs invasive or potentially-invasive species. While it's possible the plant might seed-around a bit in the yard, it isn't likely to be a significant threat to nearby natural areas, so planting it should be fine.
If you prefer to garden with native species, Wild Pink (Silene caroliniana) is perhaps the most commonly-seen Silene in Maryland and might be commercially available (at nurseries, online, or at native plant sales). Bladder Campion (Silene latifolia) and Starry Campion (Silene stellata) are additional native options.
Miri
Silene dioica is not native, you are correct, but does not appear to be invasive in our area. The species does appear in a few scattered records as having been observed growing in natural areas in Maryland, but it is not listed in the Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool database, which catalogs invasive or potentially-invasive species. While it's possible the plant might seed-around a bit in the yard, it isn't likely to be a significant threat to nearby natural areas, so planting it should be fine.
If you prefer to garden with native species, Wild Pink (Silene caroliniana) is perhaps the most commonly-seen Silene in Maryland and might be commercially available (at nurseries, online, or at native plant sales). Bladder Campion (Silene latifolia) and Starry Campion (Silene stellata) are additional native options.
Miri
