Silene stellata

S. stellata grows to a height of 0.3–1 metre (1–3 ft), with one or multiple stems rising from the rootstock. The stems are a purplish color near the bottom and a pale green toward the top, except at leaf nodes, which are also a purplish color. Leaves are lanceolate, sessile, and have a smooth margin. They are opposite near the bottom of the plant and in whorls of 4 on the rest of the stem. Leaves are up to 10 centimetres (4 in) long and 3.8 centimetres (1.5 in) wide. The inflorescence is a loose panicle consisting of several branches, each with 1 to 6 or more white flowers with 5 petals. Flowers are up to 1.9 centimetres (0.75 in) wide.[1] The flowers have no scent.[2]

Silene is from the Greek god Silenus. Stellata means "star-shaped" in Latin.

The plant can be found in woods, river flats, and tall grass prairies, and it prefers a dry to mesic habitat with light shade or partial sun.[2][3] It is native to the central and eastern United States, from Texas to the west and Vermont to the east and north.[4]

S. stellata blooms from June to September for 3 to 4 weeks.[5] The white flowers close when there is bright sun.[1] Moths are the primary pollinators, although butterflies also pollinate the flowers.[2] The plant is a host for the caterpillars of the Hadena ectypa moth.[6]