Genus: Silene from Greek sialon 'saliva' referring to sticky hairs of the stem
Species: suksdorfii after Wilhelm Suksdorf (1850 - 1932), northwest collector
The key characteristic of catchflys are their ribbed and the more or less inflated calyx formed by five fused sepals. The ribs of Cascade Catchfly have purplish hairs giving a red stripped appearance. The plant forms mats with stems to about just 4" (10 cm) with two to three flowers per stem. The petals of the white flowers are 1/2" - 3/4" long. Usually found on talus slopes and along ridges above 6,000' elevation. (ref. Biek, Clark)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Mt. Fremont
Date: August 15, 2007
Location: along Mt. Fremont trail immediately west of Frozen Lake (photo)
