// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Fire pink

Silene virginica var. virginica

Fire pink (Silene virginica var. virginica) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 8"–1'. Blooms Apr–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 26 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 8"–1'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Apr–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Fire pink (Silene virginica var. virginica) — *Silene virginica var. virginica* — Fire pink. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Alicia Ballard, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Fire pink (Silene virginica var. virginica) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 8"–1'. Blooms Apr–Jun. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, fire pink pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).