Red Campion (Silene dioica)

Family: Caryophyllaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Silene dioica is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, hedgerows and ledges of cliffs, usually on limestone. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)