Silene hookeri, commonly known as Hooker’s Silene or Hooker’s Campion, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the open woodlands and dry slopes of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in California and Oregon. It typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and spreads 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). The plant features a tubular calyx of fused sepals lined with ten veins and covered in whitish hairs, which is open at the tip to reveal five white, pink, or purple petals. The petals are deeply lobed, often into four segments, which can be wide and rounded or narrow and fringelike. Small, erect appendages are present at the petal bases, and the flowering season spans from late spring to early summer, with the flowers being moderately showy.

Hooker’s Silene is valued for its attractive flowers and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it suitable for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and as a ground cover. It is also used for restoration projects within its native range. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils; it is drought-tolerant once established. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it is not commonly available in the nursery trade, so propagation from seed or cuttings may be necessary for gardeners interested in this species.CC BY-SA 4.0