Silene alpestris, the alpine catch-fly, is a species of flowering plant in the pink family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe in the mountains of Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.[1] This spreading, mat-forming evergreen perennial grows to 15cm (06inches) tall by broad. It produces masses of tiny white flowers over a long period in spring and summer.[2]
A double-flowered cultivar, 'Flore Pleno', has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] 'Starry Dreams' is a more floriferous cultivar than the species.[4] All forms are suitable subjects for an alpine garden or rock garden with good drainage. Alkaline or neutral soils are preferred.
Some authorities regard S. alpestris as a synonym of Heliosperma alpestre.[5]