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.

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Wild & Cultivated varieties

Silene dioica Gold Leaf