Sea Campion Silene uniflora
ABOUT
Silene uniflora, commonly known as sea campion, is a charming perennial plant with a robust and sprawling presence. This lovely species typically sports a dense tuft of green leaves that are narrow, lance-shaped, and possessing a somewhat fleshy texture, which is a testament to its ability to retain moisture. The foliage forms a low-lying rosette at the base, giving the plant a ground-covering effect. Blooming predominantly during the late spring through to summer, sea campion produces an impressive display of flowers. Each blossom is composed of five petals that are pure white and deeply notched, giving them a delicate, almost fringed appearance. Flowers are held aloft on short stalks and provide a striking contrast against the greenery below. The center of each flower features a unique, balloon-like structure known as a calyx, which is inflated and veined, adding to the overall distinctiveness of the plant's appearance. The calyx is typically a pale green with a hint of the same white that is found on the petals, creating a harmonious blend of colors. This characteristic structure adds a touch of whimsy to the plant, and it plays a key role in the identification of sea campion. Overall, the appearance of Silene uniflora is both sturdy and delicate, with its resilient foliage and tender blossoms. It is a plant that exudes a wild, natural beauty, often found clinging to coastal cliffs and sandy grounds where it can thrive despite challenging conditions. Its aesthetic makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts who appreciate its low maintenance and charming flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae.
Synonyms
Sea Campion, Bladder Campion, Bird's Eye, Catchfly, Cowbell, Maiden's Tears, Robin Hood.
Common names
Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima, Silene uniflora var. compacta, Silene maritima, Lychnis alpina var. maritima, Silene cucubalus var. maritima.
ToxicityTo humans
Silene uniflora, commonly known as sea campion, is not widely regarded as a toxic plant to humans. There is little to no significant information on the toxicity of sea campion in humans and it is not commonly cited for its poisonous qualities. However, as a rule of thumb, ingesting any unknown plants or plant parts can be risky. Therefore, even if sea campion is not recognized for toxicity, it is still prudent to avoid consuming plants that are not known to be edible or whose edibility is not well-documented.
To pets
Sea campion (Silene uniflora) is not known to be toxic to pets. There is limited information about the toxicity of sea campion to animals, and it does not appear on lists of commonly known poisonous plants for pets developed by veterinary organizations. However, it is always wise to be cautious and prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe, as individual animals may react differently, and non-toxic plants can still sometimes cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control: Silene uniflora, commonly known as sea campion, is often used for erosion control due to its ability to grow in rocky and coastal areas, stabilizing the soil with its root system.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides a habitat and breeding ground for insects, which in turn can attract birds and other wildlife.
- Drought Resistance: Sea campion is known for its high drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive white flowers, Silene uniflora adds aesthetic value to gardens, borders, and rockeries.
- Cultural Significance: Sometimes featured in folklore and local traditions, it holds cultural value in certain communities.
- Education and Research: Silene uniflora may be used in educational settings or research to study plant adaptation in coastal ecosystems.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Sea campion (Silene uniflora) has been traditionally used for its diuretic properties, which can help promote the excretion of urine.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may contain compounds with anti-inflammatory effects that can alleviate inflammation in various conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Silene uniflora, commonly known as sea campion, can be used as a model organism in botanical studies due to its interesting reproductive biology, which includes both sexual and asexual reproduction.
- The sea campion's ability to tolerate salty and windy conditions makes it suitable for coastal garden landscaping, providing stability and preventing erosion.
- In some cultures, dried parts of the sea campion plant have been used to stuff pillows, due to their fluffy and light seed hairs.
- Sea campion can be used in rock gardens, as their low-growing habit and attractive white flowers add visual interest and adapt well to rocky soil conditions.
- The plant has been used in traditional art for its aesthetic value; its form and flowers inspire patterns and designs in textiles and pottery.
- Its flowers, closed during the daytime, are sometimes used in educational settings to demonstrate phototropism—the biological response to light—in plants.
- Sea campion may serve as a biological indicator for environmental scientists studying the impact of sea spray and salt deposition on vegetation.
- The roots of sea campion were historically used in the tanning process, as they contain saponins, which help in cleaning and preparing hides.
- Due to its resilience, the plant has been utilized in soil stabilization projects on slopes and banks where other vegetation might not thrive.
- Sea campion's dense foliage can provide a protective habitat for beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity in a garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sea Campion is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sea Campion is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Silene uniflora, also known as Sea Campion, commonly symbolizes purity due to its bright white flowers, which traditionally convey a sense of cleanliness and innocence.
- Survival: As a plant that thrives in coastal areas and can withstand harsh conditions, Sea Campion represents the ability to survive and adapt to challenging environments.
- Longevity: The Sea Campion's hardy nature also lends itself to symbolize longevity, indicating a life or connection that perseveres through time.
- Protection: The cushion-like form of the Sea Campion, especially when it grows among rocks, can symbolize protection as it forms a natural shelter against the elements.
WaterSea Campion should be watered moderately, ensuring the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once every week with about half a gallon of water, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. In cooler seasons or when the plant is not actively growing, reduce watering frequency to every two weeks, paying attention to the soil’s moisture level before adding water. It’s important not to let the soil dry out completely but also to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightSea Campion thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can also do well in a spot with dappled sunlight or slight shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day or in regions with very intense sunlight.
TemperatureSea Campion is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Ideally, it grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum temperatures up to 90°F. To ensure the best growth and flowering, avoid extremes and maintain the plant within this comfortable temperature range.
PruningPruning Sea Campion is important to maintain plant shape and promote vigorous growth. Trim back the stems after flowering to encourage a second bloom and to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pruning should be done yearly, ideally in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Removing dead or damaged growth at this time is also recommended.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSea Campion prefers well-drained, sandy to gravelly soil with moderate fertility. The best soil mix would include equal parts of loam, sand, and peat to ensure good drainage. The pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth conditions. Regular amending with organic matter can help maintain soil health.
RepottingSea Campion generally does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years as it does not have a large root system. Repotting every 3-4 years or when the plant has clearly outgrown its current pot is adequate.
Humidity & MistingSea Campion thrives in average humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity requirements. It adapts well to the ambient outdoor humidity levels in most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-drained soil, infrequent watering for Sea Campion.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSilene uniflora, commonly known as Sea Campion, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, often in coastal habitats. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops a basal rosette of fleshy leaves. As the plant matures, it produces flowering stems with lance-shaped leaves, and between May and August, it blooms, showcasing white flowers with deeply notched petals and a distinctive inflated calyx. After pollination by insects, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous small seeds. These seeds are then dispersed by wind, water, or other means, completing the reproductive cycle. Sea Campion is a perennial plant, so it survives through the winter months by dying back to its root system and re-emerging the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Sea Campion, as Silene uniflora is commonly known, has its most popular method of propagation through seeds. Seed sowing can be done directly in the garden once the danger of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer. Sow the seeds on the surface of well-drained soil and lightly press them in, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs within two to three weeks. Seedlings can be thinned or transplanted to give them adequate space to reach full size, typically about 9 to 12 inches (approximately 23 to 30 centimeters) apart. This method allows gardeners to propagate a large number of plants relatively easily and inexpensively.
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