Red campion
Silene dioica
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
A small herb. It grows 60 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are downy and in rings. The flower stems are tall and stiff and branching. The flowers are pink or white.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in woods and on rocky hills and cliffs in Europe. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Norway, Scandinavia, Slovenia, South America, Switzerland
How it is used for food
The young leaves are boiled for several minutes then drained and sauteed with butter and garlic.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Rdeča lepnica, Rod-jonsokblom