Offenbach, Germany, 05/2019
Offenbach, Germany, 05/2019(Backlit)

Silene latifolia

Scientific Name
Silene latifolia
FAMILY
Caryophyllaceae
LIFESPAN
perennial
BLOSSOM SYMMETRY
radial
Common Name
White campion
ORDER
Caryophyllales
BLOSSOM COLOR
white
PHYLLOTAXIS
alternate

Silene latifolia, commonly known as white campion, is a perennial wildflower native to Europe and western Asia. It is distinguished by its white, often night-scented flowers and its inflated, veined calyx, which gives the blooms a lantern-like appearance. Unusually, the species has separate male and female plants, making it a classic example of plant sexual dimorphism studied in genetics. The flowers open mainly in the evening to attract nocturnal pollinators, especially moths, setting Silene latifolia apart from many other meadow flowers that rely on daytime insects.

More Specimens

Offenbach, Germany, 05/2019
Offenbach, Germany, 05/2019(Backlit)
Offenbach, Germany, 05/2019
Offenbach, Germany, 05/2019(Backlit)