red campion (Plants of Abisko National Park)

red campion

Silene dioica

Summary ⁴

Silene dioica (syn. Melandrium rubrum), known as red campion and red catchfly, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native throughout central, western and northern Europe, and locally in southern Europe.

Description ⁵

Red campion is a common spring-flowering plant that in some areas is known as the 'cuckoo-flower' as it shares a season with this winged harbinger of spring (4). During May, it can often be found in association with bluebells and early purple orchids in the same area (5). The flowers are, as the common name suggests, red in colour, but pink and white-flowered varieties may arise (4). The leaves at the base of the plants are elliptical in shape with long winged stalks. The upper leaves are hairy, have short stalks and are more oblong in shape (2). When the plant has ceased flowering, the seed capsules become apparent; these capsules open at the top, allowing the numerous small black seeds to escape (2).