Royal Catchfly, Silene regia

While many wildflowers are blooming at the Prairie Garden Trust this summer, few are as striking as the Royal Catchfly. With such a bold red, it’s one of those flowers you can’t help but notice.

Though uncommon, its presence is unmistakable. The name “catchfly” refers to the plant’s sticky stems, which often trap small insects—not as a form of digestion, but likely as a protective mechanism.