Menzies' Catchfly

A couple of us noticed several of these very small, white flowers growing at the base of a tree in Bragg Creek Provincial Park a couple of days ago. A casual glance in their direction brought Mouse-eared Chickweed to mind, but somehow, that just didn't feel right. After all the rain and hail we've had recently, it almost looked like the petals may have been damaged. However, we were told that this plant was Menzies' Catchfly (Silene menziesii) - a plant that I had never seen or even heard of before.

Sorry the image is blurry - took this using my macro lens and I'm stilll in the process of learning how to use it outdoors. At least you can tell the interesting shape of the petals. The fact that I've just woken up after falling asleep in front of the TV again, straight after having supper, doesn't help anything look sharp, LOL.

Four of us had such an enjoyable day today, botanizing the 160 acres of rolling grassland and forest belonging to J. Edworthy, down south of the city, past Black Diamond. One of the prettiest areas you could imagine - so many colourful wildflowers in the grassland, and all sorts of moths and butterflies, and even a few fungi. Was thrilled to bits to see a Police Car Moth - and can you believe it, I realized afterwards that I hadn't turned Conversion off in my camera when I removed my macro lens - ahhh!! Not sure if I'll be able to sharpen a photo enough to post. Thanks so much, Christine, for showing us this beautiful area!

www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=2...