Silene laciniata is a perennial herb in the family (Caryophyllaceae), commonly known as fringed Indian pink, cardinal catchfly,[1] Mexican campion,[2] Mexican-pink,[3] and campion.[4]
It is native to the southwestern United States from California to Texas, as well as northern Mexico.
Silene laciniata grows from a taproot and has one or many decumbent to erect stems which may exceed a meter (3 ft.) in height. many stems.[4]
The slender, branching stem is glandular and sticky.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to about 10 centimeters long by 2 wide, with smaller ones occurring on upper parts of the plant.
The inflorescence may have one flower or many, each on a long pedicel. The flower has a tubular green or reddish calyx of fused sepals which is lined with ten prominent veins. The five bright red petals are each divided deeply into 4 to 6 long, pointed lobes, sometimes appearing fringed.
The pistil has three parts.[4] There are ten stamens.[4]
Subspecies include: