Start the week with a wildflower No 37. White campion, Silene latifolia.
Our wildflowers are in retreat for Winter, so finding a patch of White Campion on the verge at Euridge (by the haystacks) was a treat. This is a plant that likes sun so we were both enjoying yesterday’s weather. The white flowers seem to almost glow.
The Royal Horticultural Society lists White Campion in its Top 10 plants for moths.
Unlike most plants the flowers stay open at night and give off a “clovey” scent very attractive to moths. Historic names include ‘Grave Flower' or 'Flower of the Dead’, perhaps as it was found in graveyards, or did the rather ghostly white glow from the flowers at dusk give it a spooky reputation?
Neolithic farmers brought White Campion to the uk, so a relative newcomer compared with the its close relative the Red Campion.
Both plants contain saponins, limiting their use for food but the roots, simmered in hot water can be used as a soap. Extracts from roots and leaves were valued for their toxic effects on mosquito larvae and as a worming medicine.
So look out for this spooky Halloween flower and remember - moth caterpillars may be lurking inside the Campion seed cases so leave them their winter protection.