Moss Campion
Silene acaulis
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Silene acaulis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Mountain ledges and scree in N. Wales, the Lake District and Scotland.
Arctic regions, also found further south on mountains in Asia, N. America and Europe, incl Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Plant - cooked. Consumed as a vegetable in Iceland and in Arctic and Alpine regions. The raw root skins have been used for food. This report refers to the sub-species S. acaulis exscapa. (All.)DC.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant has been used in the treatment of children with colic.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Plants form a rooting carpet and can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 25cm apart each way.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Easily grown in a light soil in full sun, doing best on a moraine. Prefers a cool climate, plants can be difficult to bring into flower in the garden. Polymorphic. The sub-species S. acaulis saxatilis flowers more freely than the type.
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 grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
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.