WHITE CAMPION
Silene latifolia
PINK FAMILY (Caryophyllaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - May, June, July
- Rare on floodplain at FF
- 5 notched white petals
- Male and female flowers on separate plants - should have either 5 white styles or 10 pale yellow anthers
- Balloon-shaped calyx below the flower
This weedy annual or short lived perennial was introduced from Europe. The hairy, sticky stems are 1 to 2 feet tall. Opposite, lance-shaped leaves have smooth margins (B). Male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers are on separate plants. Both have similar flowers with five large notched white petals which, on casual glance, suggest 10. Image (A) shows a female flower identified by its 5 white styles (male flowers have 10 pale yellow stamens). Below the flower is a hairy, sticky balloon-shaped calyx with prominent green or purple veins. Flowers open at night usually closing before noon as its alternate common name Evening Campion suggests
This species had not recently been seen in Fontenelle Forest, until after the floods of 2010/11. Plants were found in early June 2013 near the blind on the floodplain.
Our other campion species, Starry Campion (Silene stellata) is an upland species with fringed petals and leaves in whorls of 4.
Other common names include Bladder Campion, Evening Campion and White Cockle.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.