SafePlants

Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris)

Bladder Campion, also known as White Cockle and sometimes confused with night-flowering catchfly, is a common wildflower belonging to the Pink and Campion family (Caryophyllaceae). Its most distinctive feature is the inflated, bladder-like calyx surrounding its white flowers.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is sometimes referred to as "cruel plant," "moth catcher," "moth plant," or "moth vine," names that might suggest interactions with insects or other small creatures.
• The plant's seed capsules are enclosed within a brownish, globular fruit.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is sometimes referred to as "cruel plant," "moth catcher," "moth plant," or "moth vine," names that might suggest interactions with insects or other small creatures.
• The plant's seed capsules are enclosed within a brownish, globular fruit.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Silene vulgaris
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink and Campion family)
• Synonyms: Silene cucubalus (sometimes used, though often considered incorrect)

Distribution and Habitat

• Bladder Campion is native to Europe but has naturalized in other regions.
• It is commonly found in grasslands and pastures, especially in areas with neutral to alkali soils that are dry and well-drained.
• It is noted as growing all around Ireland, usually on chalky, well-drained soil and in coastal areas.

Ecological Role

• In some regions, such as Oregon and Washington, Bladder Campion is considered a weed, especially in pastures and hay fields.
• It is noted for attracting moths and butterflies.

Morphological Characteristics

• Bladder Campion is a much-branching perennial that can grow up to a metre in height.
• It has drooping white flowers and greyish leaves.
• The flowers consist of five white petals that are deeply cleft, giving the appearance of ten petals.
• Each flower is approximately 1 inch wide and long.
• The flowers occur in clusters of 5 to 30.
• The inflated calyx is pale green to dull pink.
• The plant emits a pleasant clove-like aroma.

Quirky Facts

• The inflated oval calyx is compared to an angler's float.
• The flower's petals are so deeply cleft that they appear as ten separate petals rather than five.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bladder Campion attracts moths and butterflies.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Silene vulgaris.
• Ontario Wildflowers offers photos and information.