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Bladder Campion


Bladder Campion
Photo Information
Copyright: Gert Paassen (Gert-Paassen) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1200 W: 2 N: 4530] (13712)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-22
Categories: Flowers
Exposure: f/16, 1/50 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-05-27 11:56
Viewed: 1210
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note [Dutch]
Another native flower from the Netherlands.

Latin name - Silene vulgaris


This is one of several campions that were introduced from Europe. Bladder campion is recognized by the balloon-like calyx, pale green and veined with dark green or red, and its hairless leaves. The native starry campion looks similar but has fringed petals.

• Family: Pink (Caryophyllaceae)
• Habitat: roadsides, fields
• Height: 8-24 inches
• Flower size: 1 inch across
• Flower color: white
• Flowering time: April to September
• Origin: Europe

Synonyms:
PLANTS + XWALK: Silene cucubalus
PLANTS: Oberna commutata
PLANTS: Silene inflata



Related names:
See a list of other species in the genus Silene found in California.


Common names: Bladder campion [U.S. Forest Service, common campion, maidenstears
Communities: weed, species characteristic of disturbed places
Elevation: between 0 and 3937 feet

Silene vulgaris, a dicot, is a perennial herb that is not native to California; it was introduced from elsewhere and naturalized in the wild.

Bladder Campion
Author (Moench.)Garcke. Botanical references 17
Family Caryophyllaceae Genus Silene
Synonyms Cucubalus behen - L.
Silene cucubalus - Wibel.
Silene inflata - Sm.

Known Hazards Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.
Range Most of Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and temperate Asia.
Habitat Arable land, roadsides, grassy slopes etc, avoiding acid soils.
Edibility Rating 2 Medicinal Rating 1

Physical Characteristics
Perennial growing to 0.6m.
It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats
Meadow;

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Young shoots and leaves - raw or cooked. The young leaves are sweet and very agreeable in salads. The cooked young shoots, harvested when about 5cm long, have a flavour similar to green peas but with a slight bitterness. This bitterness can be reduced by blanching the shoots as they appear from the ground. When pureed it is said to rival the best spinach purees. The leaves can also be finely chopped and added to salads. The leaves should be used before the plant starts to flower. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Medicinal Uses
The plant is said to be emollient and is used in baths or as a fumigant[240]. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmia.

Other Uses
Soap.

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it is most likely that the following use can be made of the plant:- The root is used as a soap substitute for washing clothes etc. The soap is obtained by simmering the root in hot water.

Cultivation details
Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive light loamy soil in a sunny position. A good moth plant. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, an outdoor sowing in situ can be made. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
jaycee, gracious, CeltickRanger, mariki, haraprasan, sandpiper2, boreocypriensis, zulfu, lise has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2008-05-27 11:59]

Hi Gert,

You have some very unusual flowers in the Netherlands. This is very strange looking to me but very beautiful. Interesting to see them with and without the petals. Wonderful colors, details and composition.

Jane

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1367 W: 56 N: 4680] (16082)
  • [2008-05-27 12:07]

Hello Gert,
A fantastic picture!! I love the colors and sharpness. Incredible detail!! Great pov. Also a very interesting and informative note.
Regards Siggi

Hello Gert,
This is nice and beautiful image of the native flower!
Excellent macro with such small flower in fine dof!
very sharp with good colour and details
well done always on your flower presentation!
best regards
Tony

Hello Gert,

Very nice composition and POV. Good sharpness and exposure. Beautiful delicate colours.
Cheers,
Mariki

Hi Gert,
A lovely capture of this beautiful flowers. Excellent composition and sharp details. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hi Gert

Another great flower shot from you.
Good composition and sharpness on a very good OOF background.
Good note too.

Chris

Hi Gert, Super close up shot of this flower. TFS. Cheers,

bayram

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1050 W: 0 N: 162] (866)
  • [2008-05-28 9:42]

Hi Gert, another superb shot of a beautiful flower. TFS. Regards, Mehmet

hello Gert

wonderful image of these flowers with the beautiful luminosity
and softness of the colours of the composition, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • lise Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 172 W: 51 N: 548] (2875)
  • [2008-05-31 8:26]

Hi Gert,
Very simple and wonderful shot!! The sharpness is great, nice POV and DOF, love the soft natural colours.
Thanks for the useful note.
Lise

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