Evening campion

Silene pratensis

Silene pratensis, commonly known as meadow campion, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Here's a detailed description:

Botanical Description:

  1. Habit:

    • Meadow campion is a herbaceous perennial with a clumping or spreading growth habit.

  2. Height:

    • It typically grows to a height of about 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches).

  3. Leaves:

    • The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to ovate in shape, and have entire margins. They may be sessile or have short petioles.

  4. Stems:

    • The stems are usually erect and may have fine hairs.

  5. Flowers:

    • The flowers are typically pink or white, with five petals deeply notched at the ends, giving them a fringed appearance. The petals are longer than the sepals.

  6. Inflorescence:

    • The flowers are arranged in loose cymes or panicles at the ends of the stems.

  7. Fruit:

    • The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Identification Tips:

  • Opposite Leaves:

    • The opposite arrangement of lanceolate to ovate leaves is a key identification feature.

  • Fringed Petals:

    • The fringed appearance of the five-petaled flowers is distinctive.

  • Pink or White Flowers:

    • Meadow campion flowers can be pink or white.

Habitat:

  • Distribution:

    • Meadow campion is native to parts of Europe and Asia.

  • Habitat:

    • It is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, open woodlands, and along roadsides.

Ecological Role:

  • Pollinator Attraction:
    • The flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Uses:

  • Ornamental Value:
    • Meadow campion is sometimes cultivated for its ornamental value in gardens and naturalistic plantings.

Management and Control:

  1. Cultural Practices:

    • Maintaining a diverse and healthy plant community can help suppress the growth of meadow campion.

  2. Deadheading:

    • Removing spent flowers before they set seeds can help prevent excessive self-seeding.

  3. Manual Removal:

    • Hand-pulling or cutting may be effective for small infestations.

  4. Herbicides:

    • Selective herbicides labeled for use on broadleaf weeds may be used in areas where control is necessary. Always follow recommended application rates and guidelines.