Wildflower of the valley
Bladder Campion
Silene vulgaris
- How easy to find
- Easy to see — you will see it easily on the trail
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae (Pink or Carnation family)
- Type
- Perennial
- Height
- 30–100 cm
- Flower colour
- green
- Flowering
- June to September
About Bladder Campion
Silene vulgaris is a perennial and hariless herb of 30 - 100 cm high. Stem is erect and usually of Gray color, terminally branched. Flowers are white or greenish white. Calyx is usually pink or violet tinged. Specific name is vulgaris refers to commonly occurring.
Where to find it
- In the middle of the valley
- In the deeper parts of the valley
Habitat
Alpine Meadows, shady areas and grassy slopes.
Uses & folklore
Young shoots and leaves are used as vegetable. Leaves are used in treating bronchitis.
What the name means
Silene may derive from Greek sialon (saliva), after the sticky stems, or after Silenus, a foam-covered companion of Bacchus; vulgaris means "common".
Don't confuse it with
Silene indica (sno 146) has narrower calyx tubes; S. vulgaris has the characteristic inflated "bladder" calyx.
More photos
Silene vulgaris is a captivating alpine species that graces the Valley of Flowers with its signature balloon-like calyx and delicate white… 
In this striking image, Silene vulgaris presents its graceful blossoms in a tranquil mountain setting. The plant’s distinctive inflated…
