Silene otites, commonly known as Spanish catchfly, is a perennial herb that is native to a range of habitats including grasslands, rocky outcrops, and open woodlands across Europe and the Transcaucasus region. It has also been introduced to Xinjiang in China. This dioecious plant, meaning it has separate male and female plants, typically grows to a height of 20-60 cm. Spanish catchfly has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers emit varying scents to attract different pollinators: mosquitoes and moths at night, and flies and bees during the day, demonstrating a unique adaptation to its environment.

In cultivation, Spanish catchfly is valued for its adaptability to various soil types, including those with poor fertility, and its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It requires well-drained soil and moderate watering, making it relatively low-maintenance. It is often used in rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and as part of naturalistic plantings where its ability to attract a range of pollinators is beneficial. However, it is not commonly found in nurseries and may need to be grown from seed. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can spread vigorously and may require control measures to prevent it from becoming invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0