Night-flowering catchfly (Silene noctiflora)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Silene noctiflora L.
Common name(s):	night-flowering catchfly

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

0-3000 m (eFlora N Am 2010). An annual weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields and horticultural nurseries (McNeill 1980) rock gardens, wildflower gardens and shade gardens (ZipcodeZoo 2009) arable land, fallow land and vineyards; usually on heavy calcareous soils which are loose and do not become waterlogged; a loam indicator plant (Hanf 1983). Mostly on rich gravelly soils (Muenscher 1955). Early infestations in USA spread along rivers (McNeill 1980).

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Broadacre cropping; forestry; horticulture perennial; horticulture seasonal; pasture dryland

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; forby forest; granitic hillslopes; western plains woodland; basalt grassland; alluvial plains grassland; riverine woodland/forest

Colours indicate possibility of Silene noctiflora infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

map showing the potential distribution of silene noctiflora

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	Stems erect, stiff, branched above, 3–10 m high; jointed, covered with sticky hairs. Flower calyx tube with sharp teeth (Muenscher 1955). Silene noctiflora grows in dense clumps in disturbed soil, e.g. along roadsides (Davis and Delph 2005). Early infestations in USA spread along rivers (McNeill 1980). Low nuisance value.	ML	H
2. Reduce tourism?	Stems erect, stiff, branched above, 3–10 m high; jointed, covered with sticky hairs. Flower calyx tube with sharp teeth (Muenscher 1955). Early infestations in USA spread along rivers (McNeill 1980). Landscape uses include rock gardens, wildflower gardens and shade gardens (ZipcodeZoo (2009), so the plant has some aesthetic appeal. Some recreational activities affected.	MH	H
3. Injurious to people?	Stems erect, stiff, branched above, 3–10 m high; jointed, covered with sticky hairs. Flower calyx tube with sharp teeth (Muenscher 1955). The plant is 30–90 cm high, erect, slender and somewhat branched, covered with short sticky hairs (Saskatchewan Ag 2008). May cause some physiological issues at certain times of the year.	ML	H
4. Damage to cultural sites?	An annual or winter annual; 25–60 cm in height, reaching a maximum of 1 m; supported by a weak root system that consists of a slender taproot tapering downwards with fine root hairs. The plant is hairy overall with sticky hairs on the upper stems and flowers; one to three woody stems up to 1 m tall rise from the root (NAPPO 2003). Although landscape uses include rock gardens, wildflower gardens and shade gardens (ZipcodeZoo (2009), S. noctiflora is common in cultivated fields, waste places, roadsides, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010). Silene noctiflora grows in dense clumps in disturbed soil (Davis and Delph 2005). If the cultural site is poorly managed, infestations of this plant may occur at a level where there is a moderate visual effect. Moderate visual effect.	ML	MH
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	Although early infestations in USA spread along rivers (McNeill 1980), this plant more usually occurs on soils which are loose and do not become waterlogged (Hanf 1983). Little or negligible effect on water flow.	L	H
6. Impact water quality?	Although early infestations in USA spread along rivers (McNeill 1980), this plant more usually occurs on soils which are loose and do not become waterlogged (Hanf 1983) such as arable land, fallow land, waste places and along railways and highways (NAPPO 2003). No noticeable effect on dissolved O₂ or light levels.	L	H
7. Increase soil erosion?	An annual or winter annual; 25–60 cm in height, reaching a maximum of 1 m; supported by a weak root system that consists of a slender taproot tapering downwards with fine root hairs. The plant is hairy overall with sticky hairs on the upper stems and flowers; one to three woody stems up to 1 m tall rise from the root (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is strictly annual, with no plants surviving after flowering and fruiting (McNeill 1980). Moderate probability of large scale soil movement.	ML	H
8. Reduce biomass?	An elevation in CO₂levels will significantly increase the biomass of S. noctiflora (Ramseier et al. 2005). Silene noctiflora grows in dense clumps in disturbed soil, e.g. along roadsides (Davis and Delph 2005). Silene noctiflora has been found as a weed in pastures as well as grainfields (NAPPO 2003). Biomass may increase.	L	H
9. Change fire regime?	S. noctiflora is strictly annual, with no plants surviving after flowering and fruiting (McNeill 1980). An elevation in CO₂levels will significantly increase the biomass of S. noctiflora (Ramseier et al. 2005). Annual or winter annual weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields and horticultural nurseries (McNeill 1980) arable land, fallow land and vineyards (Hanf 1983). Minor change to either frequency or intensity of fire.	ML	H
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Stoney Rises Woodland (E); CMA = Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion =Victorian Volcanic Plains; VH CLIMATE potential. S. noctiflora is considered an important weed, particularly in grain and leguminous crops. It is also a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures, competing for moisture, nutrients and light (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is generally a weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields (McNeill 1980) arable land, fallow land and vineyards (Hanf 1983). Very little displacement of any indigenous species. Sparse/ scattered infestations.	L	MH
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Grassy Dry Forest (D); CMA = Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion = Greater Grampians; VH CLIMATE potential. S. noctiflora is considered an important weed, particularly in grain and leguminous crops. It is also a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures, competing for moisture, nutrients and light (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is generally a weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields (McNeill 1980) arable land, fallow land and vineyards (Hanf 1983). Very little displacement of any indigenous species. Sparse/ scattered infestations.	L	MH
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Lowland Forest (LC); CMA =East Gippsland; Bioregion = East Gippsland Lowlands; VH CLIMATE potential. S. noctiflora is considered an important weed, particularly in grain and leguminous crops. It is also a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures, competing for moisture, nutrients and light (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is generally a weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields (McNeill 1980) arable land, fallow land and vineyards (Hanf 1983). Very little displacement of any indigenous species. Sparse/ scattered infestations.	L	MH
11. Impact on structure?	S. noctiflora is considered an important weed, particularly in grain and leguminous crops. It is also a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures, competing for moisture, nutrients and light (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is generally a weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields (McNeill 1980) arable land, fallow land and vineyards (Hanf 1983). Minor or negligible effect.	L	MH
12. Effect on threatened flora?	S. noctiflora is considered an important weed in grain and leguminous crops. It is also a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures, competing for moisture, nutrients and light (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is generally a weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields (McNeill 1980) arable land, fallow land and vineyards (Hanf 1983). Minor or negligible effect.	L	MH
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	Impact on threatened fauna has not yet been determined.	MH	L
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	Impact on non-threatened fauna has not yet been determined.	M	L
15. Benefits fauna?	An annual or winter annual; 25–60 cm in height (NAPPO 2003). Night-flowering catchfly is not palatable to livestock or wildlife because of the sticky hairs. Ground-foraging birds eat the seeds (Minnesota Ag 2010). Silene noctiflora grows in dense clumps in disturbed soil, e.g. along roadsides (Davis and Delph 2005). Provides very little support to desirable species.	MH	MH
16. Injurious to fauna?	Investigation into this plant indicates that it does not possess any characteristics that are injurious to fauna. No effect.	L	L
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	Night-flowering catchfly is not palatable to livestock or wildlife because of the sticky hairs. Ground-foraging birds eat the seeds (Minnesota Ag 2010). Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds (ZipcodeZoo (2009). Aphids have been recorded as feeding on S. noctiflora, and several species of virus have been recorded on S. noctiflora, as have several species of parasitic fungi (McNeill 1980). Supplies food source for one or more minor pest species.	ML	MH
18. Provides harbour?	S. noctiflora has erect stems that are stiff, branched above, 3–10 m high (Muenscher 1955). An annual or winter annual, 30–90 cm high, erect, slender and somewhat branched (Saskatchewan Ag 2008). S. noctiflora is strictly annual, with no plants surviving after flowering and fruiting (McNeill 1980). No harbour for pest species.	L	H
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	S. noctiflora is found in most agricultural areas of North America, and is considered an important weed in grain and leguminous crops, as well as a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures (NAPPO 2003). Silene noctiflora is found on arable land, fallow land, and vineyards (Hanf 1983). Nightflowering catchfly is not palatable to livestock or wildlife (Minnesota Ag 2010). Minor impact on quantity of produce, i.e. <5% reduction.	ML	MH
20. Impact quality?	S. noctiflora is found in most agricultural areas of North America, and is considered an important weed in grain and leguminous crops, as well as a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures. An introduced [to North America] weed, probably as a contaminant of clover or grass seed [as the seeds are similar in size to some crop clovers] (NAPPO 2003). A potential seed contaminant (USDA GRIN 2010). Major impact on quality of produce, i.e. 5–20% reduction.	MH	MH
21. Affect land value?	Although S. noctiflora is recognised as a weed in most agricultural areas of North America (NAPPO 2003), where the weed begins growth as a winter annual, light fall tillage should be shallow enough to allow best germination for the seeds, and thorough enough to ensure that seedlings are killed. However, the weed has no definite germination habits; thus, no cropping or tillage practice can be expected to produce the same results each year (Saskatchewan Ag 2008). However, Qaderi and Reid (2008) conclude that despite the negative effects of higher temperature on some plant characteristics, S. noctiflora has the potential to thrive under conditions of climate change. Little or none.	L	MH
22. Change land use?	Some degree of control of S. noctiflora is possible with cultural and chemical methods (Muenscher 1955; McNeill 1980). Some change, but no serious alteration of either agricultural return.	ML	H
23. Increase harvest costs?	S. noctiflora is found in most agricultural areas of North America, and is considered an important weed in grain and leguminous crops, as well as a serious weed in other cultivated crops and pastures. An introduced [to North America] weed, probably as a contaminant of clover or grass seed [as the seeds are similar in size to some crop clovers] (NAPPO 2003). Minor increase in cost of harvesting.	ML	MH
24. Disease host/vector?	S. noctiflora is a host for tobacco streak virus, and is also host to Lychnis ringspot virus which infects crop plants such as sugar beet and spinach (NAPPO 2003), and can be transmitted by its seed and pollen (McNeill 1980). Aphids have been recorded as feeding on S. noctiflora, and several species of virus have been recorded on S. noctiflora, as have several species of parasitic fungi (McNeill 1980). Host to major and severe disease or pest of important agricultural produce.	H	H

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	Seeds have a high temperature requirement for germination, with soil temperatures of 20º C required for healthy seeds to germinate. [In Canada] a small number of seeds will germinate in autumn, but the majority will remain dormant until at least the following growing season (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is known to have a relatively high temperature requirement (>11º C) for germination (McNeill 1980). Requires natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall, spring/summer temperatures for germination.	MH	H
2. Establishment requirements?	A weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures, grain fields and horticultural nurseries (McNeill 1980) rock gardens, wildflower gardens and shade gardens (ZipcodeZoo 2009) arable land, fallow land and vineyards (Hanf 1983). We conclude that despite the negative effects of higher temperature on some plant characteristics, S. noctiflora has the potential to thrive under conditions of climate change (Qaderi and Reid 2008). Can establish under moderate canopy/litter cover.	MH	H
3. How much disturbance is required?	A weed of roadsides, waste places (Saskatchewan Ag 2008) cultivated fields, gardens, and disturbed areas (Minnesota Ag 2010), beside railroad tracks, in pastures and grain fields (McNeill 1980). Establishes in relatively intact or minor disturbed natural ecosystems, or in well established pastures.	MH	H
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	An annual or winter annual, ranges from 25–60 cm in height, reaching a maximum of 1 m and is supported by a weak root system that consists of a slender taproot tapering downwards with fine root hairs; one to three woody stems up to 1 m tall rise from the root (NAPPO 2003). An annual 2560(–80) cm tall, with an erect, usually simple, leafy stem (McNeill 1980). An annual or winter annual, 3090 cm high, erect, slender and somewhat branched, covered with short sticky hairs (Saskatchewan Ag 2008). Other.	L	H
5. Allelopathic properties?	Literature searches failed to locate references linking allelopathy with the genus Silene.	M	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	Night-flowering catchfly is not palatable to livestock or wildlife because of the sticky hairs (Minnesota Ag 2010). Seeds will survive passage through the gut of domestic animals (NAPPO 2003). Consumed but not preferred. Capable of flowering/seed production under moderate herbivory pressure.	MH	MH
7. Normal growth rate?	Under Canadian and most US growing conditions, flowering will occur from mid-June onwards, with some plants flowering as late as mid-September; mature seeds are produced approximately a month later (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is strictly annual, with no plants surviving after flowering and fruiting (McNeill 1980). Growth rate equal to plants with the same life form.	M	H
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	Usually on heavy calcareous soils which are loose and do not become waterlogged (Hanf 1983). Overwintering is generally by seed, but some plants survive under snow protection in the young leaf-rosette stage (McNeill 1980). Tolerates coastal conditions; drought tolerant (ZipcodeZoo (2009). Tolerant to at least two, and susceptible to at least one.	ML	H
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	An annual or winter annual reproducing entirely by seed (McNeill 1980). A gynomonoecious plant (Davis and Delph 2005). Silene noctiflora is pseudocleistogamous; the majority of its flowers did not open, and fruit set occurred after selfing in bud (Jürgens et al. 1996). The flowers of S. noctiflora are nocturnal and moth-pollinated (eFlora N Am 2010). There is no means for vegetative reproduction by this species (NAPPO 2003). Sexual (self and cross) pollination.	ML	H
10. Number of propagules produced?	The number of seeds produced per plant averages 2600 (approximately 200 seeds per capsule) (NAPPO 2003). Greater than 2000.	H	MH
11. Propagule longevity?	Seeds of S. noctiflora have high viability even a few weeks after maturation, and survival in the soil can achieve 10–25 % germination after a 5 year burial (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora demonstrated seed dormancy in all soils tested, with a seedbank longevity of 5–20 years (Marshall et al. 2001). Greater than 25% of seeds survive 5–10, or lower viability but survive 10–20 years.	ML	H
12. Reproductive period?	S. noctiflora is strictly annual, with no plants surviving after flowering and fruiting (McNeill 1980). After seedling stage, a leaf rosette is formed which either gives rise to a rapidly elongating flower stem, or the rosette persists for a time, possibly overwintering in the case of late autumn germination (NAPPO 2003). Mature plant produces viable propagules for only one year.	L	H
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	S. noctiflora is strictly annual, with no plants surviving after flowering and fruiting (McNeill 1980). Under Canadian and most US growing conditions, flowering will occur from mid-June onwards, with some plants flowering as late as mid-September; mature seeds are produced approximately a month later (NAPPO 2003). Reaches maturity and produces viable propagules in under a year.	H	H
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	Seeds are very similar size to some crop clovers, and the principal mechanism for the distribution of this weed has been, and may still be, as a seed contaminant. Also, seeds will survive passage through the gut of domestic animals (NAPPO 2003). S. noctiflora is found in most agricultural areas of North America (NAPPO 2003) and grazing sheep can carry seeds over several kilometres, and mowing and cultivating machinery have the potential for long distance dispersal if they are used in a large area before cleaning (Bischoff 2005). Ground-foraging birds eat the seeds of S. noctiflora (Minnesota Ag 2010). Bird dispersed or has edible fruit that is readily eaten by highly mobile animals.	H	H
15. How far do they disperse?	Grazing sheep can carry seeds over several kilometres, and mowing and cultivating machinery have the potential for long distance dispersal if they are used in a large area before cleaning (Bischoff 2005). Ground-foraging birds eat the seeds of S. noctiflora (Minnesota Ag 2010). Dispersal as a seed contaminant (NAPPO 2003). Early infestations in USA spread along rivers (McNeill 1980). Very likely that at least one propagule will disperse greater than one kilometre.	H	MH

References

Bischoff A. (2005) Analysis of weed dispersal to predict chances of re-colonisation. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 106: 377–387. Available at
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T3Y-4DVW34Y-1-1&_cdi=4959&_user=141304&_pii=S0167880904002841&_orig=search&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2005&_sk=998939995&view=c&wchp=dGLbVzzzSkzk& md5=ff7ff4fa7c0d54dd0001ded48b4be8c9&ie=/sdarticle.pdf (verified 1 June 2010).

Davis SL and Delph LF. (2005) Prior selfing and gynomonoecy in Silene noctiflora L. (Caryophyllaceae): opportunities for enhanced outcrossing and reproductive assurance.

International Journal of Plant Sciences 166(3): 475–480. Available at http://sites.bio.indiana.edu/~delphlab/Davis%20and%20Delph.pdf (verified 1 June 2010).

eFlora N Am (2010) Flora of North America, Vol. 5.l Caryophyllaceae. Silene. 34. Silene noctiflora L. Available at http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242000798 (verified 1 June 2010).

Hanf M. (1983) The Arable Weeds of Europe. BASF, United Kingdom.

Marshall J, Brown V, Boatman, N, Lutman P and Squire G. (2001) The impact of herbicides on weed abundance and biodiversity. Available at
http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/uploadedfiles/Web_Assets/PSD/Research_PN0940.pdf (verified 28 May 2010).

McNeill J. (1980) The biology of Canadian weeds. 46. Silene noctiflora L. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 60: 1243−1253.

Minnisota Ag (2010) Minnisota Department of Agriculture, Prohibited Noxious Weeds, Silene noctiflora. Available at
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/en/plants/badplants/noxiouslist/catchfly.aspx (verified 26 May 2010).

Muenscher WC. (1955) Weeds. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, London.

NAPPO (2003) North American Plant Protection Organisation, Pest Plant Factsheet, Silene noctiflora L. Available at http://www.nappo.org/PRA-sheets/Silenenoctiflora.pdf (verified 26 May 2010).

Qaderi MM and Reid DM. (2008) Combined Effects of Temperature and Carbon Dioxide on Plant Growth and Subsequent Seed Germinability of Silene noctiflora. International Journal of Plant Sciences 169(9): 1200–1209.

Jürgens A, Witt T and Gottsberger G. (1996) Reproduction and pollination in Central European populations of Silene and Saponaria species. Botanica Acta 109(4): 316–324. Available at http://www.cababstractsplus.org/abstracts/Abstract.aspx?AcNo=19962302685 (verified 26 May 2010).

Ramseier D, Connolly J and Bazzaz FA. (2005) Carbon dioxide regime, species identity and influence of species initial abundance as determinants of change in stand biomass composition in five-species communities: an investigation using a simplex design and RGRD analysis. Journal of Ecology 93: 502–511.

Saskatchewan Ag (2008) Government of Saskatchewan, Department of Agriculture, Crop Weeds, Silene noctiflora. Available at http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=181ad268-c23d-463c-8952-65a502f57f2b (verified 28 May 2010).

ZipcodeZoo (2009) Silene noctflora L., night-flowering catchfly. Available at http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/s/Silene_noctiflora/ (verified 28 May 2010).

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2010) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 01 June 2010).

Department of the Environment and Heritage (Commonwealth of Australia). (1993 – On-going) Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) http://www.cpbr.gov.au/apni/index.html (verified 25 May 2010).

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. (2010) Available at http://www.itis.gov/ (verified 25 May 2010).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2010) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (verified 11 May 2010).

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. (2007) Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria. Available at http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/research_and_conservation/plant_information/viclist (verified 25 May 2010).

United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. Taxonomy Query. (2009) Available at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxgenform.pl (verified 25 May 2010).

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