As garden ornamentals. The Caryophyllaceae produces anthocyanin as its reddish pigment. Fossil pollen from the Oligocene. Petals have an unique blade, claw and ligule morphology in some species.
Bracts sometimes present.
Fruit as a capsule. Seeds with curved embryo. Placentation is free-central or basal. Habit is as annual or perennial herbs. Leaves simple and opposite, often with paired bases connected.