Campion

Diamon Naturals

Alaena Charlotte Diamon

Campion, White (Silene alba)

Common Name: White Riding Hood.

Description: An erect or low-growing perennial with 'bladder-like' flowers. Cotyledons (seedlings) are without petioles (sessile), oval in outline and tapering to the base. Cotyledons are covered with many soft hairs. The first true leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and hairy. Leaves initially develop as somewhat of a basal rosette. Basal leaves have short petioles but the majority of leaves (stem leaves) are without petioles. Leaf shape is somewhat variable, ranging from lanceolate to oval-shaped to relatively broad and elliptical. Leaves are approximately 1 1/4 to 4 1/2 inches long and 6 to 30 mm wide and hairy on both surfaces. Stems erect or occasionally growing prostrate along the ground with the tips ascending (decumbent growth habit). Stems are also covered with many short, soft hairs. Root is a taproot, with lateral roots. Flowers occur in clusters or singly on flower stalks (peduncles). Individual flowers consist of white petals (approximately 5) that are split or lobed and resembling a "V". Flowers also have a characteristic bladder-like case which are actually fused inflated sepals with 10 (male flowers) or 20 (female flowers) distinct veins. Fruit is a capsule with 10 teeth. The hairy, opposite leaves and lobed, bladder-like flowers are all characteristics that help in the identification of White Campion. Hardy perennial, flowering from May to July. Flowers open completely only with nightfall. Odorous, they attract the moths that pollinate them. A pest in grain fields. Stamens (male) and pistils (female) are on different plants. Introduced from Europe and widely distributed in the northwest. In the same family as Carnations.

Habitat: White Campion is primarily a weed of pastures and hay fields, but may also occur along roadsides or in other forage crops. This weed occurs throughout most of the northern half of the United States. Hardy zones 3 to 10.

Cultivation: Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds.

Propagation and Reproduction: From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall after first freeze. White Campion often breeds with Red Campion, to produce a plant known as a hybrid which has pink flowers.

Miscellaneous: White Campion often breeds with Red Campion, to produce a plant known as a hybrid which has pink flowers. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The flowers become fragrant in the evening. Folk used to believe that if you picked the White Campion, you would bring death to your mother.

Flower Essence: "Maiden's Tears" help get rid of things you no longer need in your life: outmoded attitudes, patterns of action that no longer serve your best interests. Lightens your pack so that you can face the trail ahead with a light heart and a quick step. For cleaning out, from the top of the lungs all the way up as high as you can be, with Kundalini light. Campion is a help to the scholar and the student, but most particularly the student of the countryside. Helps us to learn from plants and stones and connects us to the wisdom of the ancestors, which has been left behind.

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