White Campion
Silene latifolia
To support our efforts please browse our store (books with health benefits, etc.).
White Campion is native to Europe and widely introduced throughout North America. This plant interbreeds with Red Campion (Silene dioica) wherever they grow near one another. This plant emerges predominately in the spring, but can emerge in the fall. Silene, the genus name, is a reference to the Greek woodland god Silenus. The specific epithet latifolia means 'with wide leaves' and in the case of White Campion the leaves are generally wide in comparison with those of its close relative Red Campion.
Distinguishing Features
The flowers are very distinct with five petals and each petal is deeply notched. Creating an almost exaggerated heart shape. The bulbous, striped calyx is also a distinct feature.
Flowers
Flowers have five petals each deeply cleft into 2 broad lobes. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Female flowers have five styles that elongate and curl out over the collar. Male flowers have ten pale yellow stamens that extend to or a little past the opening of the floral tube. The calyx behind the flower is hairy and bulbous. It is larger and more urn-shaped on female flowers, strongly veined and ridged. Flowers are odorous, open in the evening and close by noon, sometimes later on cloudy days.
Leaves
The leaves are entire and oval with pointed tips; and near the base of the plant they have unwinged stalks. Leaves grow opposite; there are two leaves per node along the stem. White campion leaves are 3 to 10cm (1¼ to 4") long. Short petioles are on lower leaves becoming smaller and without petioles higher on the stem. Stems and leaves are hairy becoming glandular and sticky in the upper plant.
Height
This plant can grow to almost 1 metre (3') tall.
Habitat
It is commonly found in pastures, along roadsides, and in waste areas.
Edible Parts
Young shoots and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked though they may have a slight bitterness. Blanching the shoots before eating can help reduce the bitterness. Consume in very small quantities as this plant contains saponins. Pregnant and nursing women should not consume this plant!
Other Name
White Cockle.
Winter Survival Food Handbook
Types of Wild Food
Now available! Beginner's Guide to Safely Foraging for Wild Mushrooms
