Bladder Campion, Maidenstears
Silene vulgaris

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Silene vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Arable land, roadsides, grassy slopes etc, avoiding acid soils.

Most of Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and temperate Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young shoots and leaves - raw or cooked. The young leaves are sweet and very agreeable in salads. The cooked young shoots, harvested when about 5cm long, have a flavour similar to green peas but with a slight bitterness. This bitterness can be reduced by blanching the shoots as they appear from the ground. When pureed it is said to rival the best spinach purees. The leaves can also be finely chopped and added to salads. The leaves should be used before the plant starts to flower. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is said to be emollient and is used in baths or as a fumigant. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmia.

Other

Rating: 1

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it is most likely that the following use can be made of the plant: The root is used as a soap substitute for washing clothes etc. The soap is obtained by simmering the root in hot water.

Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive light loamy soil in a sunny position. A good moth plant. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, an outdoor sowing in situ can be made. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Best place to grow: Meadow;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. cucubalus. S. inflata. Cucubalus behen.