How much sun does Forked Catchfly need?

Forked Catchfly grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Forked Catchfly bloom?

Forked Catchfly blooms in June, July, and August.

What pollinators does Forked Catchfly attract?

Forked Catchfly draws bees and beetles.

Is Forked Catchfly HOA-friendly?

Forked Catchfly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Forked Catchfly

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Silene dichotoma

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Forked Catchfly (Silene dichotoma) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Forked Catchfly

Forked Catchfly is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Forked catchfly is a small annual wildflower that grows 6-24 inches tall with delicate white or pink flowers from June through August. This European native has naturalized in parts of North America and prefers partial shade with moderate moisture. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed under favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Forked Catchfly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Non-native species may be restricted
Annual growth creates gaps when plants die
Can appear weedy or unkempt

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for bees and serves as habitat for beetles during its summer blooming period. Its relatively short blooming window offers modest but valuable pollinator support.

Common questions

How much sun does Forked Catchfly need?: Forked Catchfly grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Forked Catchfly bloom?: Forked Catchfly blooms in June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Forked Catchfly attract?: Forked Catchfly draws bees and beetles.
Is Forked Catchfly HOA-friendly?: Forked Catchfly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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