bladder campion
ExplorePlants
bladder campion
Silene vulgaris
Bladder campion is a pretty flower that grows in fields and meadows. It has unique balloon-like seed pods that look like tiny balloons, making it fun to spot!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The bladder campion has delicate white flowers with petals deeply notched, giving them a frilly look. Its most distinctive feature is the inflated, balloon-like calyx (the papery structure behind the petals) which is pale green or purplish, making it visually distinct from other wildflowers.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCaryophyllaceaeGenusSilene
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
In some parts of Italy, people gather the young leaves and shoots to cook and eat them like spinach or asparagus!
Its scientific name, *Silene*, might come from Silenus, a portly figure in Greek mythology, just like the flower's puffy shape!
The pretty white petals of this flower are deeply split, making them look like ten separate petals, but there are actually only five!
You might hear its dried seeds rattle inside the papery 'bladder' if you shake it, making a tiny natural maraca!
Special abilities
Ability
Puffy Protection
Bladder campion has an inflated, papery calyx that helps protect its developing seeds from some insects and adverse weather conditions.
Ability
Moth Magnet
This plant's flowers release a stronger, sweet fragrance at night to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths, ensuring successful reproduction.
Ability
Survivor Seed
Bladder campion seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years, allowing the plant to regrow after disturbances and colonize new areas.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 20-45 cm
- Flower Size
- 1.5-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to late summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen
pollinates
Elephant Hawk-moth
Deilephila elpenor
Feeds on nectar, especially at night
eaten by
European Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Browses on young leaves and shoots
eaten by
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
Graze on the foliage
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild flowers, as some can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is bladder campion?
30-90 cm
How wide does bladder campion spread?
20-45 cm
How big are the flowers on bladder campion?
1.5-2.5 cm
When does bladder campion bloom?
Late spring to late summer
Is bladder campion edible?
Yes
Is bladder campion toxic?
None
What is bladder campion's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is bladder campion pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
