White Campion | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Silene latifolia

White Campion is a common wildflower that grows in fields, along hedgerows and roadside verges, and on waste ground. It flowers throughout the summer, but it's actually at night when the blooms produce a heady scent, attracting many feeding moths.

How to identify:

White Campion displays white flowers with five petals, each deeply notched and almost divided into two; its oval leaves and stems are hairy. In places where it grows alongside Red Campion, the two may hybridise to produce pinky or white blooms.

Where to find it:

Found throughout the UK, but most common in England.

How people can help:

Although they sometimes don't look especially wildlife-friendly, our roadside verges, field edges and waste grounds can provide valuable habitats for all kinds of plants and animals. The Wildlife Trusts get involved in different projects to help make these places as beneficial for wildlife as possible. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics:

Height: up to 1m

Conservation status:

Common.

Did you know?:

White Campion is sometimes called the 'Grave Flower' or 'Flower of the Dead' as it can be seen growing in graveyards and around tombstones.

Seasons:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

When to see

Start date:

May

End date:

October

Image: