# Sea Campion (*Silene uniflora*)

Sea Campion is a pretty flower that grows near the coast. It has white, fluffy blooms that look like little balloons and loves to grow in rocky places by the sea.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Coastal areas
- **Also known as:** Rock Pink

![Sea Campion](https://media.snappit.app/site-media-v1/334e6760d1b1539f46f883efcdf4761266894ebd5eeb7462f87d09f0632506b6/image-560x560/w-560.webp)

## Appearance

The Sea Campion has striking white flowers with petals deeply notched, emerging from a distinctive, bladder-like, pale green to pinkish-white calyx. Its leaves are a waxy, bluish-green, forming low cushions against harsh coastal winds.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Caryophyllales
- **Family:** Caryophyllaceae
- **Genus:** Silene

## Interesting facts

- It often thrives where freshwater meets the sea, in places most plants cannot survive!
- Its scientific name, 'uniflora,' means 'single flower,' even though a plant can have many!
- The plant’s deep roots can anchor it firmly, preventing it from being washed away by waves!
- Young Sea Campion leaves are edible and taste a bit like peas or asparagus – a salty snack!

## Special abilities

- **Salt Shield:** Sea Campion can thrive in salty coastal air and soil thanks to special glands that excrete excess salt.
- **Wind Warrior:** Its low-growing, cushion-like form and tough stems help the Sea Campion withstand powerful winds on exposed shores.
- **Puffy Protector:** The Sea Campion's inflated, balloon-like calyx helps protect its developing seeds from hungry insects and harsh weather.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-30 cm
- **Spread:** 20-60 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

- **Eaten by:** Lychnis Moth (*Hadena bicruris*) — its caterpillars feed on the seeds
- **Eaten by:** [European Rabbit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-rabbit) (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*) — grazes on its leaves and shoots

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Salt Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/salt-tolerant): Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
- [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers unless an adult says it's okay.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Sea Campion?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Sea Campion?

10-30 cm

### How wide does Sea Campion spread?

20-60 cm

### How big are the flowers on Sea Campion?

1.5-2.5 cm

### When does Sea Campion bloom?

Late spring to late summer

### Is Sea Campion edible?

Yes

### Is Sea Campion toxic?

None

### What is Sea Campion's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Watch

- [Play video: Sea Campion](https://www.snappit.app/videos/sea-campion)
- [YouTube](https://youtube.com/watch?v=OnjhlnerM70)

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Sea Campion: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sea-campion)