Moss Campion

(Silene acaulis)

Moss Campion (Silene acaulis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Silene acaulis, commonly known as Moss Campion, is an evergreen perennial herb native to alpine regions, including rocky slopes, tundra, and arctic scrub across North America, Europe, and Asia. It forms low, dense cushions that resemble moss, often reaching diameters of over a foot, with typical heights of 2 inches, but can grow up to 6 inches. The plant retains dead leaves from previous seasons, contributing to its cushion-like appearance. Moss Campion produces pink, star-shaped flowers that are solitary and borne on short stalks, with hermaphrodite flowers being larger than female ones. Flowering occurs from June through August, with flower size ranging between 6 and 12 mm wide. The plant exhibits a unique ability to change the gender of its flowers between years, and the frequency of female flowers increases with altitude.

Moss Campion is valued for its low-growing, mat-forming habit and vibrant pink flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as ground cover in areas with cool climates. It is also appreciated for its adaptability to poor soils and its ability to thrive in full sun with well-drained soil conditions. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively low maintenance once established. Gardeners should sow seeds in early spring, transplant seedlings into separate pots, and overwinter them in a greenhouse during their first year. Division is recommended in spring for propagation. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and susceptibility to aphids. Moss Campion is not known for being invasive but can spread in suitable alpine environments.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.2-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to alpine regions, including rocky slopes, tundra, and arctic scrub across North America, Europe, and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Cushion-Pink, Stängelloses Leimkraut, Stängellose Lichtnelke, Stengelloses Leimkraut, Silène Acaule, Fjällglim, Alfinetes, Cushion Pink

Scientific Names: , Silene acaulis, Silene acaulis var. acaulis, Silene acaulis var. subaculescens, Silene subacaulis, Silene acaulis f. albiflora, Silene acaulis f. athabascensis, Silene acaulis f. subacaulescens, Silene acaulis subsp. typica, Silene acaulis var. artica

GBIF Accepted Name: Silene acaulis (L.) Jacq.