White campion - Silene latifolia (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Control)

White campion

White campion (Silene latifolia) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Africa but now widely naturalized in the US as a common weed. It grows in the wild in alkaline soils in uninhabited environments and prefers sunny areas.

Scientific classification

Species

White campion (Silene latifolia)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial, Biennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

40 cm to 80 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of White campion

Distribution of White campion

Distribution Map

White campion is a Eurasia and North Africa native wildflower that grows in fields, meadows, and roadsides as an introduced species in the northern part of North America, Iceland, and southern South America. It is considered an invasive species in Alaska.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedges, waste places, cultivated land

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Youthful Love, spiritual guidance

Interesting Facts

Historically, white campion was used as a garden plant. Since then, it has escaped the garden and become a common weed. The calyx of this flower are shaped like a balloon and its stems and foliage can be hairy or downy. White campion can carry diseases that affect beets and spinach. White campion spreads easily because each plant can produce over 5000 seeds as well as reproduce from pieces of root.

Name Story

White campion: When you notice this plant on the roadside, don't forget that it's a grass weed. Although it has pleasant white flowers, it's probably because it invades other plants' habitats and competes with local species. So, it's called white campion.

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Toxicity

White campions are mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested in large quantities. All parts of the plant contain saponins that cause gastric pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Cases of poisoning are rare due to the large amounts needed for adverse effects. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for pets if ingestion occurs.

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Weed Control

The white campion is a weed native to Eurasia. It has been introduced to North America and is considered an invasive weed in the US states of Montana, Oregon, and Washington, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland. The White Campion grows alongside fields and roadsides. In North America, it threatens endangered species by invading their native habitats. The white campion can infest pastures and hayfields, resulting in lower pasture output for grazing animals. It also contaminates seed crops and results in lower yields from them too. When necessary, herbicides can control young weed growth.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of the white campion plant is during summer, more specifically before the plant has a chance to flower and set seed. Now, for the detailed methods of removing or controlling this plant:

Hand Pulling: Put on a pair of gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid any possible irritation from the plant. Simply grasp the white campion plant at the base of the stem and pull straight upward to remove the entire plant. Be sure to remove all of the roots to prevent any possibility of regrowth. Dispose these plants in your organic waste bin or a compost pile.
Solarization: This is a simple and effective method of getting rid of the white campion plant. Start by mowing or cutting down the plants as much as you can. Then, spread a large, clear plastic sheet over the area and secure it with rocks or garden stakes. Leave it in place for a minimum of six weeks during the hottest part of summer. The intense heat and lack of light will kill both the plants and the seeds.
Smothering: This method involves cutting the white campion plant down to the ground and then covering the affected area with a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard. Wet this layer thoroughly and then top it with a thick layer of organic mulch. The plants will be starved of light and moisture and will die off within a matter of weeks.

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Care Guide for White campion

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from temperate regions, white campion thrives in moderate moisture and well-drained soil. It prefers weekly watering and benefits from higher indoor humidity, making it an ideal houseplant that enhances interior spaces with a touch of its natural environment.

Propagation: White campion propagates mainly via cuttings in spring and summer. This method has moderate difficulty; success is marked by new leaf growth. Selecting proper stems and preventing over-watering can enhance propagation success rates.

Repotting: White campion thrives when repotted every 2-3 years in spring, requiring a pot for its deep roots. Use well-draining soil and water moderately post-repotting. While hardy, white campion benefits from some TLC during recovery, but doesn't require excessive pampering.

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Images of White campion

Distribution of White campion

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for White campion

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