Night-flowering Catchfly
Silene noctiflora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Night-flowering Catchfly (Silene noctiflora) 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
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Night-flowering Catchfly
Night-flowering 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.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaNight-flowering catchfly is a modest annual wildflower that grows 12-24 inches tall with small white or pink flowers that open in the evening. It blooms from July through September and prefers partial shade with moderate watering. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Night-flowering Catchfly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual nature means gaps and bare spots
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- Night-blooming habit means flowers often closed during day
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar for bees and beetles, particularly benefiting nocturnal pollinators due to its evening blooming habit. The flowers are specially adapted to attract nighttime visitors.
Common questions
- How much sun does Night-flowering Catchfly need?
- Night-flowering Catchfly grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Night-flowering Catchfly bloom?
- Night-flowering Catchfly blooms in July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Night-flowering Catchfly attract?
- Night-flowering Catchfly draws bees and beetles.
- Is Night-flowering Catchfly HOA-friendly?
- Night-flowering 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
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Night-flowering Catchfly? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz