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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Silene vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. 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), bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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. cucubalus. S. inflata. Cucubalus behen.
Habitats
Meadow;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses:
Young shoots and leaves - raw or cooked[2, 5, 8, 9, 52]. The young leaves are sweet and very agreeable in salads[217]. The cooked young shoots, harvested when about 5cm long, have a flavour similar to green peas but with a slight bitterness[183]. This bitterness can be reduced by blanching the shoots as they appear from the ground[183]. When pureed it is said to rival the best spinach purees[183]. The leaves can also be finely chopped and added to salads[183]. The leaves should be used before the plant starts to flower[9]. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.
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.
The plant is said to be emollient and is used in baths or as a fumigant[240]. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmia[240].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Soap
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it is most likely that the following use can be made of the plant:- 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
Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive light loamy soil in a sunny position[1, 200]. A good moth plant[13]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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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, an outdoor sowing in situ can be made. 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 Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
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 :
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.
Expert comment
Author
(Moench.)Garcke.
Botanical References
17
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