Common catchfly

Silene gallica L. is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family and is widely distributed across temperate regions, including parts of North America and the Azores. It is known by several common names, including common catchfly, small-flowered catchfly, and windmill pink. The species was first described in 1753 and has been the subject of taxonomic debate, with Silene lusitanica and other names rejected or conserved in favor of S. gallica. The genus Silene was conserved against the name Lychnis. The nomenclatural history includes proposals for the rejection of S. cerastoides to prevent confusion with S. gallica, though the Committee for Spermatophyta did not approve this action due to uncertainty in its application.