White Campion

Biological Name:

Silene latifolia (White-Campion)

Natural Habitat:

White campion is a type of flowering plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is typically found in areas with moist soils, such as meadows, fields, and along roadsides.

Description:

White-Campion is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It has small white flowers and opposite lance-shaped leaves. It is often found in wetland areas and is used in traditional medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is white campion invasive?
A: Silene latifolia (White Campion) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species.
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Q: Is white campion poisonous?
A: Toxicity. White campion contains saponin. Although saponin is toxic, it is difficult to be absorbed by the human body and has low toxicity. Therefore, the danger of this plant is low, but it is recommended not to eat a lot of foods containing saponin.
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Q: Is white campion toxic to dogs?
A: White campion is toxic to certain organisms, such as fish, but there are no reports of poisoning in dogs or cats.
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Q: What is white campion good for?
A: Indications: A powerful catalyst for gently opening you heart to receive a clear flow of directives from your Spiritual Guides and Councilors. White Campion flowers, in clusters or singly on flower stalks, have petals lobed in the shape of a heart.
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Q: Is white campion good for bees?
A: White Campion can cross breed with Red Campion to produce a delicate pink flower. Butterflies and bees are attracted by White Campion and its bright petals so it is a great addition to your wildflower meadow. It is a hardy and adaptable species commonly found on waste ground and roadside verges.
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Q: Is white campion good for wildlife?
A: Although they might not look especially wildlife-friendly, our roadside verges, railway cuttings and waste grounds can provide valuable habitats for all kinds of plants and animals.
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Q: What is campion used for?
A: Herbal Medicine Uses of Red Campion Campions (of any species) were used to treat internal bleeding, kidney disease, sores and ulcers, and stings. Healers also used it to treat warts and corns. In Spain and Italy, the plant was used for digestive disorders.
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Q: Can you eat white campion?
A: Uses. The Bladder Campion’s shoots and leaves (while still young) are edible raw or cooked. The young leaves taste sweet and go very well in a salad. When the young shoots are cooked, they have a flavor similar to green peas, but with a slight bitterness.
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Q: Is white campion a wildflower?
A: A uniquely designed little wildflower, the white campion measures approximately 30-90 cm in height. This radially symmetrical flower has a balloon-like, white or green-veined calyx surrounded by white or light pink petals. These flowers grow singularly along green stem out of which grow long, lanceolate-shaped leaves.
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Q: Is white campion rare?
A: White campion is a common wildflower that grows in fields, along hedgerows and roadside verges, and on waste ground. It flowers throughout the summer, but it’s actually at night when the blooms produce a heady scent, attracting many feeding moths.
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Q: Can campion grow in shade?
A: As with many silver-foliaged plants, rose campion prefers fairly dry, well-drained conditions in full sun or partial shade but will tolerate clay and moist soil.
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Q: Is campion annual or perennial?
A: Red campion is a perennial plant, which means it can live for a number of years, growing and blooming in spring and summer, and dying back in autumn.
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Q: Is white campion good for pollinators?
A: Rich in pollen, they attract butterflies and other pollinating insects. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. Lovely when illuminated by a night light, White Campion is a great addition to mixed borders.
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Q: How do you get rid of white campion?
A: To control white campion apply glyphosate at 1.13 lb a.e./A + ammonium sulfate (AMS) at 17 lb/100 gal in the late fall (late October – November) or early spring (Figure 1). These applications need to be made before white campion is much greater than 4 inches tall in the spring or control may be reduced.
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Q: Should you cut campion back?
A: Grooming and Maintenance. Rose campion doesn’t need grooming, but cut deadhead spent blooms encourages fuller growth and flowers. Pruning: Cut the stems back to 1/3 their size in late fall or early winter after growing slows. NOTE: Cut flowers to discourage self-seeding.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.