Royal Catchfly
Royal Catchfly is a rare Midwest native plant with brilliant red flowers that are acclaimed for attracting Hummingbirds, and butterflies such as the Black Swallowtail. An excellent garden plant, it does best in medium, loamy soil …
| Soil Type | Loam |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Medium |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Height | 2' - 4' |
| Bloom Color | Red |
| Bloom Time | July, Aug |
| Spacing | 1' |
| Hardiness Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Root Type | Taproot |
| Benefits | Pollinators, Hummingbirds |
Royal Catchfly is a rare Midwest native plant with brilliant red flowers that are acclaimed for attracting Hummingbirds, and butterflies such as the Black Swallowtail. Typically around 3-4 feet high, it does best in medium, loamy soil. An excellent addition to any sunny garden bed, combine it with other prairie flowers and grasses to provide a bit of support and keep the plants upright.
The name catchfly refers to the sticky glands on the Catchfly plant which function as a trap for numerous small insects. The trapped insects eventually die and the plant releases a digestive enzyme to breakdown the expired bodies. Nutrition for the plant is not part of process; instead, it appears to be a defensive process that prevents insects from feeding on the plant.
Royal Catchfly is found growing wild in only a few isolated locations in the Midwest. Other common names include Prairie Fire.
