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Silene dioica - (L.)Clairv.

Common Name Red Campion, Red catchfly
Family Caryophyllaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Habitats Woods, hedgerows and ledges of cliffs, usually on limestone[17].
Range Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade
Silene dioica Red Campion, Red catchfly


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Silene dioica Red Campion, Red catchfly
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lychnis_rubra_Sturm19.jpg

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Silene dioica is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Lychnis dioica. L. diurna. Melandrium dioica. M. rubrum.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Soap

The root is used as a soap substitute for washing clothes etc[46, 61]. The soap is obtained by simmering the root in hot water.

Special Uses

Food Forest

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained nitrogen-rich soil in light shade[17, 200]. Succeeds in any position that is not hot and dry[187]. Hardy to about -25°c[187]. Hybridizes readily with S. latifolia[17]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[187]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots [2-1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown outdoors in situ during the spring. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation-European part (European part (west)), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Bulgaria (west), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain (north), France AFRICA: Morocco

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Silene acaulisMoss CampionPerennial0.1 -  LMNM113
Silene conoideaweed sileneAnnual0.3 0-0  LMNM010
Silene firmaCatchflyAnnual/Biennial0.9 -  LMHSNM12 
Silene gallicacommon catchflyAnnual0.4 -  LMSNDM01 
Silene latifoliaWhite Campion, Bladder campionPerennial0.6 5-9  LMHNM001
Silene nigrescens Perennial0.1 -  LMSNDM02 
Silene vulgarisBladder Campion, MaidenstearsPerennial0.6 5-9 MLMNM211

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Clairv.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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Subject : Silene dioica  
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