Royal Catchfly is a spectacular prairie wildflower with brilliant scarlet flowers that are perfectly designed for pollination by ruby-throated hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. It is one of the rarest native wildflowers in the United States, found in scattered prairie remnants from Missouri to Georgia. Populations have declined drastically with prairie loss.
Best time to see a Royal Catchfly
The best time to see a Royal Catchfly is July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,109 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Royal Catchfly? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Royal Catchfly sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Royal Catchfly?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.