common catchfly
Silene gallica

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Silene gallica is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

Sandy or gravelly fields and waste places.

Central and southern Europe, including Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

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.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive light loamy soil in a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Silene anglica. Silene quinquevulnera.