Bladder Campion
(Silene vulgaris)
Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris)
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Doug McGrady
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Doug McGrady
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Doug McGrady | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Doug_McGrady | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Silene vulgaris, commonly known as bladder campion or maidenstears, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including meadows, grasslands, open woodlands, and rocky slopes across Europe, temperate Asia, and northern Africa. It has a sprawling habit and typically reaches up to 3 feet in height. The plant is characterized by its distinctive flowers, which are white and balloon-like, about 1 inch wide, and bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are mildly showy and are followed by a bladder-like capsule that gives the plant its common name.
Bladder campion is appreciated for its delicate, nodding flowers and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a versatile choice for wildflower meadows, informal garden settings, and restoration projects. It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. While it is not commonly used for culinary purposes, the young shoots and leaves are edible and have been consumed in traditional European dishes. In cultivation, bladder campion may self-seed and spread, which should be considered when planting. It is potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bladder campion is appreciated for its delicate, nodding flowers and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a versatile choice for wildflower meadows, informal garden settings, and restoration projects. It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. While it is not commonly used for culinary purposes, the young shoots and leaves are edible and have been consumed in traditional European dishes. In cultivation, bladder campion may self-seed and spread, which should be considered when planting. It is potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to meadows, grasslands, open woodlands, and rocky slopes across Europe, temperate Asia, and northern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Cowbell, Bladder Silene, Maiden’s Tears
Scientific Names: , Silene vulgaris, Silene alpina, Silene cucubalus var. cucubalus, Silene willdenowii, Viscago behen,
GBIF Accepted Name: