Silene vulgaris can be distinguished from silene latifolia by having three styles rather than five, and by the lack of hairs on the calyx. Compared with silene uniflora it has rather narrower petals, and forms larger flower clusters.
Common name:
Bladder campion
Family:
Scientific name:
Silene vulgaris
Main flower color:
Range:
All of the British Isles; most common in the south
Height:
Up to 80 cm
Habitat:
Dry grassland, especially on calcareous or sandy soils
Flowers:
The corolla is white, with five deeply divided lobes, sometimes slightly different in size, while the calyx is (usually) hairless, and inflated, crossed prominent veins, initially light green, ageing to purple. Three purplish styles project from the corolla. Flowers are arranged in clusters, of a dozen of more heads
Leaves:
Opposite, ovate, greyish-green
Season:
June to August
Rarity:
★★★★★
