Not only is the Fire Pink (Silene virginica) a favorite wildflower for many of us, its color is rare in the local wildflower flora. Identification is easy. The plant is vivid-pubescent like most other members of the genus Silene. In April through June you may find it scattered in woods and woodland borders throughout Pittsylvania County.
A close inspection of the vivid calyx usually displays several tiny flying insects that have been stuck, like in flypaper, on the sticky calyx. I took this picture at the Banister Cliff site overlooking the Banister River in May 1984.
Also see this illustration in larger format.
Copyright © 2007 William T. Hathaway.