Polar campion (Silene uralensis, Candollea 22: 25 (1967))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (Rupr.) Bocquet

Bibliography: Candollea 22: 25 (1967)

Year: 1967

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to WC. U.S.A., Svalbard to Russian Far East and C. Asia, C. Japan

Description

The plant known commonly as the Polar campion graces the subarctic regions of North America, extending from the arctic expanses of Subarctic America to the more temperate reaches of the Western United States. Its presence spans across the northern hemisphere, touching lands as varied as Svalbard, the Russian Far East, and Central Asia, making its way even to Central Japan.

Botanically designated as Silene uralensis, this resilient species belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This family is well-known for its hardy, visually striking members, and the Polar campion is no exception, flourishing in some of the planet’s most unforgiving climates. First systematically categorized in a notable 1967 contribution to Candollea, an authoritative publication on plant taxonomy, the plant was authored by (Rupr.) Bocquet, adding to its scientific pedigree.

The Polar campion is a testament to nature’s adaptability and beauty, thriving in diverse climates and representing a broad geographic array. Its ability to endure extreme conditions while maintaining its delicate floral structure speaks to the intricate balance and resiliency within the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant not only contributes to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits but also offers insight into the evolutionary processes that enable life to persist in the harshest environments.

Common Names

Eng: apetalous catchfly, cockle, mountain campion, nodding campion, polar campion, nodding catchfly, mountain catchfly, nodding cockle, northern catchfly
Fra: silène de l’oural
En: Polar campion, Nodding campion, Apetalous catchfly, Cockle, Mountain campion, Nodding catchfly, Mountain catchfly, Nodding cockle, Northern catchfly
Fr: Silène de l’Oural

Synonyms

• Gastrolychnis uralensis (Rupr.)
• Physolychnis uralensis ((Rupr.) Rupr.)
• Lychnis apetala var. uralensis ((Rupr.) Regel)
• Wahlbergella uralensis ((Rupr.) Rupr.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Montana (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Utah (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 11, 1997 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by kaitlyn verge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2021 by Nick Lightbody (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384767)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:236392-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silene uralensis (Rupr.) Bocquet)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth