Valais catchfly

Description

Silene vallesia, common name Valais catchfly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. Silene vallesia can reach a height of 5–15 centimetres (2.0–5.9 in). It is a perennial pubescent sticky plant with ascending flowering stems. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, opposite, gradually smaller, 1–3 centimetres (0.39–1.18 in) long. Inflorescence is a raceme with only 1-3 flowers, 2–2.5 centimetres (0.79–0.98 in) long. The petals are pale pink, bifid, with deep oval lobes. Flowers bloom from June to August. This species is widespread throughout the western Alps to Apennines. This plant grows in rocky areas, rocky pastures and slopes at elevation of 900–2,500 metres (3,000–8,200 ft) above sea level.