French Catchfly
Common name
French Catchfly
Scientific Name
Silene gallica
Type of plant
Uncategorised
About this weed
French Catchfly was originally from Macronesia, north Africa, temperate and tropical Asia and Europe. It was probably introduced as seed when flowering plants were introduced from other countries.
Description
It is an erect or ascending, rather viscid annual growing to 0.5m high. It produces white and pink flowers held usually on one side of the stem. Catchfly flowers from July to December and the petals are deeply notched. The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by moths, butterflies and bees. The seed is dispersed by ants. The stems, leaves and calyces are covered in glandular hairs and may be sticky to touch.
Impact on Bushland
Not available.
Location
Found in sandy soils in disturbed areas in the Eremaean Province and South-West Province. Also found in agricultural land between Perth and Albany.
Priority for removal
Unknown:
Management (hand)
Not available.
Management (herbicide)
Not available.
Flowering month/s
July, August, September, October, November, December
Flower colour/s
Pink, White
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/2909
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
