Identification
This native perennial grows from 1 1/2 to 3 feet tall. The erect stems usually carry a pair of opposite leaves at the top, but most of the lance-shaped leaves occur in whorls of 4 (C). The delicate white flowers are bell-shaped (B,D); they are arranged in loose terminal clusters (A). Each flower has 5 deeply divided petals giving it a fringed or frilly appearance.
Uncommon in upland woods and edges at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods, flowering from June through August.
The showy, delicate flowers of Starry Campion make it a favorite garden plant. It is pollinated mainly by moths although butterflies and bees may also visit.
An alternate common name is Widow’s Frill.
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