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Silene latifolia - Poir.

Common Name White Campion, Bladder campion
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 Hedges, waste places and cultivated land[17].
Range Most of Europe, including Britain, 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 Full sun
Silene latifolia White Campion, Bladder campion


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Silene_latifolia_Sturm18.jpg
Silene latifolia White Campion, Bladder campion
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:4028mdk09

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Silene latifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 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 Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

S. alba. Lychnis alba. L. vespertina. Melandrium album.

Plant Habitats

 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

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any good sweet loam in a sunny position[1, 200]. Plants tend to be short-lived and are sometimes only annual[200]. Hybridizes readily with S. dioica[17]. The plant attracts moths[17]. The smut, Ustilago violacea, causes the production of stamens in female flowers, but violet spores of the fungus replace the pollen grains[17]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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. 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

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran, Iraq (north), Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Kazakhstan, Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur) EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Romania, Slovenia, Spain, France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Algeria (north), Morocco, Tunisia

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 dioicaRed Campion, Red catchflyBiennial/Perennial0.5 5-9  LMHSM001
Silene firmaCatchflyAnnual/Biennial0.9 -  LMHSNM12 
Silene gallicacommon catchflyAnnual0.4 -  LMSNDM01 
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

Poir.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

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

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Subject : Silene latifolia  
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