White campion Silene latifolia
Table of Contents
Plant family: Caryophyllaceae
Aliases: Cow-rattle, cockle, white robin
Flowering period: May – September
Flower colour: White
Preferred soil type: Most types, free draining
Habitat: Field margins, roadside verges, waste areas
Status: Common
General information
White campion can be annuals, biennials and perennials, they grow on open habitats such as waste ground, roadside verges and grassland, reaching a height of 80 cm. As with red campion, they are dioecious, meaning the male and female parts of the flowers grow on separate plants, this means the plants have to be growing within close vicinity of each other, to produce seed.
It will grow on most types of soil, preferring free draining, neutral to alkaline sites, that are exposed to ample sunlight. Unlike many wildflowers, the flowers stay open as darkness falls, omitting a pleasant scent that attracts moths.
Identification
Flower: The pure white flowers are borne in branched clusters, measuring between 25 – 35mm in diameter. Each flower has 5 petals, that are deeply notched, sometimes giving the appearance of 10 petals.
Leaves: The leaves are entire, ovate – lanceolate, with pointed tips, the lower leaves are stalked, while the upper are un-stalked.
Value for wildlife
White campion provides a valuable source of nectar and attracts different species of bees and butterflies.
Uses for white campion
The roots that contain a substance called saponin, a soap substitute for washing powder and shampoo that has been used for washing fabrics, clothes and hair. It also has some medicinal properties, with some sources claiming the flowers can be used to treat snakebites and cure warts.
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