Silene dioica

Red Campion

CARNATION & CAMPION FAMILY,  CAROPHYLLACEAE

A perennial, hairy, upright, branching biannual or perennial that grows in woodlands, along sheltered lanes, hedges and coastal cliffs.

It is quite common in Wales, but rare in Ireland.

It often crosses with white campion , especially where habitat has been disturbed.

The native woodland plant has expanded its habitat because it may have adapted to more open habitats due to crossings over several generations.

A beautiful variant is grown with a double flower growing in the garden.

ID FACT FILE:

HEIGHT:

20 -90 cm

FLOWERS:

Dark pink, 15 – 25 mm across, male and female flowers on different plants, no odor, 5 petals deeply punctured; calyx 10 veins (male flowers) or calyx 20 veins (female flowers)

LEAVES:

In pairs opposite each other, roughly in the shape of a javelin, pointed, seen in winter

FRUITS:

Cylindrical capsules, opening with 10 retractable teeth

LOOK ALIKES:

Hybrid crosses with white campion are similar but taller plants with pale pink flowers. The marsh fritillary has petals broken into 4 deep lobes.

Wild & Cultivated Varieties

Silene dioica Gold Leaf