Douglas’ Catchfly (Silene douglasii ssp. douglasii) is a delicate and drought-adapted perennial wildflower native to dry slopes, open forests, and rocky grasslands of the western United States. This species features slender stems and narrow basal leaves, topped with airy clusters of pale pink to rose-purple, notched flowers. The blooms are held above the foliage in loose, nodding arrays, giving the plant a soft, understated beauty ideal for naturalistic plantings in well-drained, arid environments.
 
Douglas’ Catchfly is an important nectar source for native moths and small bees. Like many catchflies, it supports specialist nocturnal pollinators with flowers that open in the evening and emit a light fragrance to attract moths. This makes it a valuable component of pollinator plantings that support day- and night-active species alike. Its ability to grow in dry, nutrient-poor soils also makes it suitable for ecological restoration on slopes, disturbed sites, and post-fire landscapes.
 
Douglas’ Catchfly prefers full sun and fast-draining soils—especially gravelly, sandy, or rocky types—and is highly tolerant of drought. It performs best in sites that mimic its native upland habitats. Seeds greatly benefit from cold stratification with fall sowing to break dormancy. Once established, plants are long-lived, low-maintenance, and slowly expand by clumping, offering resilience and charm in water-wise native gardens, xeriscapes, and dryland restorations.