Nottingham Catchfly
Silene nutans
Silene nutans, known as Nottingham Catchfly, is a perennial herb characterized by its drooping flowers during daylight hours. The blossoms open and emit a strong, hyacinth-like fragrance at night to attract pollinating moths. The stems are covered in sticky glandular hairs that prevent crawling insects from reaching the nectar, giving the plant its common name.
Details
Habitat function
Provides food and breeding space for specialized insect species in semi-dry grasslands.
Nutrient uptake
Low nutrient requirement; adapted to nitrogen-poor soils.
Food source for
Nocturnal moths (e.g., Deilephila elpenor) and caterpillars of the genus Hadena.
Human use
Occasional use as an ornamental plant in rock gardens and wildlife gardens.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important nectar source for specialized nocturnal moths; the sticky stems prevent nectar theft by ants.
Natural predators
Caterpillars of Hadena moths that develop within and feed on the seed capsules.
Competitor species
Competitive grasses in the event of increasing eutrophication of its habitats.
Ecosystem service
Promotion of pollinator biodiversity, specifically for nocturnal moth communities.
Threats
Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification, eutrophication, and scrub encroachment on nutrient-poor grasslands.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Primarily generative via seeds; limited vegetative reproduction through short rhizome branches.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Eutrophication due to nitrogen deposition from air and agriculture; scrub encroachment and succession due to abandonment of extensive grazing; intensive mowing.