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
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