Family: Caryophyllaceae
evening campion, snowy campion, white campion
[Cucubalus niveus Nutt.]
Prairie Frontier
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, perennial, 1'-3' tall forb; from rhizomes
Leaves: mostly on the stem with either a very short stalk or stalkless, opposite
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, sepals densely hairy, forming a bell-shaped tube with no ribs, petals 2-lobed with toothed tips; inflorescence a few flowers on long stalks from the leaf axils; opens in the evening; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods, clearings
Conservation Status: Threatened
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall forb; from rhizomes
Leaves: mostly on the stem with either a very short stalk or stalkless, opposite
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, sepals densely hairy, forming a bell-shaped tube with no ribs, petals 2-lobed with toothed tips; inflorescence a few flowers on long stalks from the leaf axils; opens in the evening; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods, clearings
Conservation Status: Threatened
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACW WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc.
