Silene stellata aka Starry Campion

Silene stellata, or starry campion, is a clump-forming perennial wildflower. It belongs to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. Its native range spans the central and eastern United States. It grows in woods, thickets, meadows, prairies, and wooded slopes. Missouri plants also grow in dry clearings and open woods. Other names include whorled catchfly and widow's frill.

Garden plants reach 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] tall. Clumps spread about 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 metres] wide. A deep white taproot anchors the plant. Upright stems branch loosely and bear sticky hairs. Their green colour may carry a pale red tint. Leaves grow well apart along the stems. Middle leaves form rings, or whorls, of four. Upper and lower leaves tend to grow in opposite pairs. The pointed leaves have smooth edges and sparse hairs. Their lower faces look paler than their upper faces. Swollen leaf joints may show a red tint.

White flowers form loose clusters at the stem tips. Each bloom has five petals cut into fine fringes. A pale green, bell-shaped calyx cups each flower. Ten slender stamens reach beyond the petal tips. The flowers have no scent and may partly close in strong sun. Bloom dates vary among sources, from May through August. Individual plants may flower for three to four weeks. Butterflies, bumblebees, and moths pollinate the blooms. Egg-shaped seed capsules follow in summer and fall. They turn from pale green to tan as they mature. Each holds many dark, kidney-shaped seeds.

Partial shade gives the best growth, though plants accept full sun. Strong sun can turn the leaves yellow-green. Use well-drained soil with dry to moderate moisture levels. Drainage matters more than a single soil texture. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can suit this plant. It accepts acid to neutral soil. Established plants tolerate drought, dry soil, and shade. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–8. Grow it from seed, stem cuttings, or divisions. Divide mature clumps in late fall or early spring. Plants can also spread by self-sown seed.

Starry campion suits woodland, wildflower, native, and cottage gardens. It also works in borders and naturalized plantings. Its flowers supply nectar for visiting insects. Tall stems may bend under the weight of blooms. Some plants need stakes to stay upright. Deer may browse the stem tips. Sources report no major pest or disease concerns. The supplied evidence does not establish edibility or toxicity.