How to identify Widowsfrill (Silene stellata)

Photo By jacobogre , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Widowsfrill (Silene stellata)

Widowsfrill, also known as Starry campion

Widowsfrill exhibits an upright and slightly branched stature, reaching heights of about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). Its stems can vary in color from pale green to reddish-green. The foliage is distinguished by its arrangement; lower leaves are paired oppositely, while the central leaves form distinctive whorls of four. Leaves are lanceolate to elliptical, displaying a yellowish-green to medium green coloration on the upper side and paler underneath. Prominently, widowsfrill showcases a panicle reaching roughly 8 inches (20 cm) in length and 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) across. Each flower, about 3/4 inch (2 cm) in diameter, presents brilliant white, frilled petals encircling a light green, bell-shaped calyx. The fruit is an ovoid capsule, transiting in color from pale green to tan, containing purplish-brown, kidney-shaped seeds.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Widowsfrill

Erect, sticky stems reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) with a tendency to flop over.

Distinctive whorls of four leaves; lanceolate to elliptical with yellowish-green upper side.

Showy white flowers in terminal clusters with fringed petals and bell-shaped calyx.

Ovoid capsule fruit with purplish-brown kidney-shaped seeds.

Panicle measuring 8 inches (20 cm) long and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) wide.

Detailed Traits of Widowsfrill

Leaf Features

Widowsfrill's leaves are spaced widely along the stem, with upper and lower leaves being simple and mostly opposite, while center leaves form whorls of four. They are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, measuring 1.5 to 4.5 inches (4 to 11.5 cm) in length and 0.5 to 1.75 inches (1.3 to 4.5 cm) in width. The upper surface is yellowish-green, grayish-green, or medium green, and the lower surface is paler with sparsely hairy texture. Leaves have entire margins, pointed tips, and nodes that are swollen and red-tinged.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The showy flowers of widowsfrill appear as terminal clusters of white tubular blooms atop tall stems. The panicle measures 8 inches (20 cm) long and 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) wide. The blooms, 3/4 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) wide, feature five deeply fringed white petals and a light green bell-shaped calyx covered in dense short hairs. Ten white stamens protrude past the petals. They bloom from June to August, lasting about 3-4 weeks.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stems of widowsfrill are sticky, erect, and may be sparsely or densely covered in hair. They stand between 2 and 3 feet tall (60 to 90 cm) and exhibit a pale to medium green or pale reddish-green coloration. The stems may either be unbranched or sparsely branched, with a tendency to flop over due to the weight of the flowers. This flopping characteristic, combined with the potential stickiness and hairiness, are notable features for identifying the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of widowsfrill is an ovoid capsule, featuring six distinct teeth along its upper edge. Upon maturity, its pale green to tan surface seems engorged and is ready to release numerous purplish-brown, kidney-shaped seeds when a gentle pressure is applied, causing the capsule to split. The seeds within are tightly packed, ready for dispersal.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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