Family: Caryophyllaceae
Balkan catchfly, glaucous campion
[Silene cserei Baumg.]
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Emmet J. Judziewicz
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Silene: probably from Greek sialon, "saliva," referring to gummy exudation on stems, and/or named for Silenus, intoxicated foster-father of Bacchus (god of wine) who was covered with foam, much like the glandular secretions of many species of this genus.
Plants: erect, biennial/perennial, up to 40" tall forb with branched stems
Leaves: widely oval, bluish-gray, smooth
Flowers: white, 5-parted, calyx tubular and tapering at both ends, petals with 2 lobes; inflorescence open, with many flowers and branches, the main branches very long; blooms May-Oct.
Habitat: sun; dry; disturbed areas
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: erect, biennial/perennial, up to 40" tall forb with branched stems
Leaves: widely oval, bluish-gray, smooth
Flowers: white, 5-parted, calyx tubular and tapering at both ends, petals with 2 lobes; inflorescence open, with many flowers and branches, the main branches very long; blooms May-Oct.
Habitat: sun; dry; disturbed areas
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Native to Europe and now found in open, disturbed areas such as fields and roadsides but mostly found along railroad tracks; rarely on rocky bluffs. This is a strongly glaucous plant, often mistaken for S. vulgaris but differing in having a more elongated inflorescence and capsules slightly exserted from the calyces. First collected in 1915.
Flora of North America: Flora of North America USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Emmet J. Judziewicz
