A genus of Old World plants belonging to the Pink family (Caryophyllaceæ). Most of the species have brilliantly colored flowers and cottony leaves, which may have anciently served as wicks for lamps. The botanical name is in common use for the garden species. The corn cockle (Lychnis Githago) is a common weed in wheat fields.

mostly perennial herbs with sticky stems that catch insects; widespread in north temperate zone

Lychnis is a genus of 15-25 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe, Asia and north Africa. The genus is closely related to (and sometimes included in) Silene, differing in the flowers having five styles (three in Silene), the seed capsule having five teeth (six in Silene), and in the sticky stems of Lychnis. Common names include campion (shared with Silene) and catchfly, the latter name based on the sticky stems.