Categories: Caryophyllaceae

Red campion (Silene dioica, Man. Herbor. Suisse: 146 (1811))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (L.) Clairv.

Bibliography: Man. Herbor. Suisse: 146 (1811)

Year: 1811

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe, Morocco

Description

Red Campion is a vibrant and enchanting flowering plant known for its striking red blooms and widespread presence across Europe and parts of Morocco. Scientifically designated as Silene dioica, this species belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, a group of plants renowned for their ornamental beauty and ecological significance.

Description:
Red Campion stands out with its clusters of bright, pinkish-red flowers, each petal displaying a slightly notched tip which adds to their distinctive charm. The plant itself can grow up to 1 meter tall, featuring a robust, hairy stem and lance-shaped leaves that are arranged oppositely on the stem. The plant is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants, which are instrumental in its reproductive strategy and genetic diversity.

Habitat and Distribution:
Red Campion is native to Europe, where it can be commonly found in meadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, and along roadside verges. It favors well-drained soils and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. The plant has also been observed in certain regions of Morocco, suggesting a degree of adaptability to different climates within these geographical limits.

Ecological Importance:
This species plays a vital role in supporting local biodiversity. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, which are drawn to its vibrant flowers. By providing a food source to these insects, Red Campion contributes to the health of ecosystems and the pollination of other plants.

History and Etymology:
The scientific exploration of this plant can be traced back to the early 19th century. The species was formally described in the Swiss text “Man. Herbor. Suisse” in 1811, marking an important entry in botanical literature. The plant’s naming credits go to (L.) Clairv., acknowledging the combined efforts of early botanists in classifying and understanding this notable species.

Cultivation and Uses:
Red Campion is not just admired in the wild but also cultivated in gardens for its attractive appearance and ease of growth. It makes an excellent addition to wildflower gardens and can be used to create natural-looking borders. Due to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements, it is favored by gardeners looking to introduce a splash of color while supporting wildlife.

In summary, Red Campion (Silene dioica) is a remarkable and resilient plant that has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its presence across varied landscapes in Europe and Morocco underscores its adaptability and ecological value, making it an important species within the Caryophyllaceae family.

Common Names

Dan: dagpragtstjerne
Eng: red campion, red catchfly, red cockle
Deu: rote lichtnelke
Nor: aaker-nelliker, rødfot-græs, vilde-nelliker
Fra: compagnon rouge, silène dioïque, silène rouge
Nld: dagkoekoeksbloem
Swe: rödblära, skogslyst
Nno: raud jonsokblom
Sme: ruksesluffellaš, guppaslieđđi, ruksesluffilasta
Cym: blodau neidr, blodeuyn rhudd, blodyn crach, blodyn neidr, blodyn taranau, blodyn y neidr, botwm mab leuanc, ceiliog coch, coch y taranau, gludlys coch, lluglys blodeuyn rhudd, lluglys ysgar, llys yr ychain, llys yr ychen, llysiau robin
Gla: cìrean-choilich, cìrein-choilich
En: Red campion, Red catchfly, Red cockle
Hy: Համասպրամ
Be: Смалянка двухдомная
Bg: Двудомно плюскавиче
Ca: Melandri vermell
Hr: Crveni golesak
Cs: Silenka dvoudomá
Da: Dag-Pragtstjerne, Dagpragtstjerne
Nl: Dagkoekoeksbloem
Et: Punane pusurohi
Fi: Puna-ailakki
Fr: Silène dioïque, Compagnon rouge, Silène rouge, Robinet rouge
Ka: Სასტვენა
De: Rote Lichtnelke, Rote Nachtnelke, Rote Waldnelke, Tag-Lichtnelke
Hu: Piros mécsvirág
Is: Dagstjarna
Ga: Coireán coilleach
It: Silene dioica, Gittone rosso
Lv: Sarkanā spulgotne
Lt: Raudonžiedis šakinys
Se: Ruksesrássi, Ruksesluffellaš, Guppaslieđđi, Ruksesluffilasta
No: Raud jonsokblom, Rød jonsokblom, Aaker-nelliker, Rødfot-græs, Vilde-nelliker
Nn: Raud jonsokblom
Pl: Bniec czerwony
Ru: Дрёма двудомная
Gd: Cìrean-choilich, Cìrein-choilich
Sk: Silenka červená
Es: Borbonesa, Jabonera blanca
Sv: Rödblära, Skogslyst
Wa: Brin-d’-leu
Cy: Blodyn neidr, Blodau Neidr, Blodeuyn Rhudd, Blodyn Crach, Blodyn Taranau, Blodyn y Neidr, Botwm Mab Leuanc, Ceiliog Coch, Coch y Taranau, Gludlys Coch, Lluglys Blodeuyn Rhudd, Lluglys Ysgar, Llys yr Ychain, Llys yr Ychen, Llysiau Robin

Synonyms

Lychnis dioica var. rubra (Weigel)
Lychnis dioica (L.)
Melandrium pratense var. paui (Lomax)
Melandrium dioicum ((L.) Coss. & Germ.)
Melandrium rubrum subsp. lapponicum (Simmons)

Distribution

Austria (native)
Baltic States (native)
Belarus (native)
Belgium (native)
Bulgaria (native)
Central European Rus (native)
Czechoslovakia (native)
Denmark (native)
East European Russia (native)
Finland (native)
France (native)
Føroyar (native)
Germany (native)
Great Britain (native)
Hungary (native)
Ireland (native)
Italy (native)
Morocco (native)
Netherlands (native)
North European Russi (native)
Norway (native)
Poland (native)
Romania (native)
Spain (native)
Sweden (native)
Switzerland (native)
Ukraine (native)
Yugoslavia (native)
Argentina Northeast (introduced)
Argentina South (introduced)
British Columbia (introduced)
Connecticut (introduced)
Falkland Is. (introduced)
Iceland (introduced)
Illinois (introduced)
Iowa (introduced)
Krym (introduced)
Maine (introduced)
Manitoba (introduced)
Maryland (introduced)
Masachusettes (introduced)
Montana (introduced)
New Brunswick (introduced)
New Hampshire (introduced)
New Jersey (introduced)
New York (introduced)
Newfoundland (introduced)
Nova Scotia (introduced)
Ohio (introduced)
Ontario (introduced)
Oregon (introduced)
Pennsylvania (introduced)
Québec (introduced)
Rhode I. (introduced)
South Dakota (introduced)
Vermont (introduced)
Washington (introduced)
Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 22, 2005 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2018 by Denis SABATIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Kat Astrophe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)