Silene vulgaris
Silene vulgaris, the bladder campion or maidenstears, is a plant species of the genus Silene within the family Caryophyllaceae. Native to the Old World, the plant has been naturalized elsewhere, including North America. The young shoots and leaves are edible.
| Silene vulgaris | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Silene |
| Species: | S. vulgaris |
Description
The plant can reach 60 centimetres (24 inches) in height, with white-petaled flowers up to 1.8 cm (1⁄2 in) wide.
Similar species include S. noctiflora and S. latifolia.
Distribution and habitat
It is native to Europe, temperate Asia and northern Africa and has been introduced to other parts of the world, particularly North America, where it is now widespread and a common wild flower in meadows, open woods and fields.
Uses
The young shoots and the tender leaves are sometimes used as food in some countries of the Mediterranean region. These are considered edible raw before the plant flowers and can be used in salads. The older leaves are usually eaten boiled or fried, sauteed with garlic or in omelettes.
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