The shocking magenta color made this plant a cottage-garden favorite, in spite of its tiny flowers. Having come over to our country because settlers wanted to brighten up the place, it has made itself at home, often in otherwise unpromising environments—such as here, at the edge of a parking lot in Banksville.
For a description of the species, see the Dianthus armeria reference page.
Also known as Myosoton aquaticum, depending on the mood of the botanist. This is a beautiful large-flowered Chickweed that would make a good shade-garden planting. When we say “large-flowered” or “giant,” of course, we mean in relation to most other chickweeds. By other standards this is a smallish flower. These plants were blooming in open woods in Bird Park, Mount Lebanon.
For a description of the species, see the Stellaria aquatica reference page.
A showy Chickweed worthy of planting in shade gardens. This one was blooming in a patch along the Trillium Trail in Fox Chapel.
For a description of the species, see the Stellaria pubera reference page.
Also known as Bouncing Bet. The flowers have a long blooming season—part of what made them favorites in gardens, from which they escaped to make themselves at home along our roadsides. These plants were growing in great profusion along the Montour Trail in Moon Township.
For a description of the species, see the Saponaria officinalis reference page.
Also sometimes called Bladder Campion, especially in the United States; but that name also belongs to the even more bladdery Silene vulgaris. These charming white flowers were blooming along the Montour Trail in Moon Township, where we caught them still spattered with dew.
For a description of the species, see the Silene latifolia reference page.
