Caryophyllaceae: the Pink Family
The Pinks are not all pink: red, magenta, carmine, white, cream...one of them is yellow and one of only two flowering plants native to the Antarctic (Antarctic pearlwort). They are never blue. (Photo courtesy of Pauk on Flickr)
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Caryophyllaceae: the Pink Family
The Pinks and Carnations that make wedding buttonholes are members of this family. Surprisingly, the Chickweed that springs up all over the garden is a member of the same family. Woodpigeons will enjoy it, unless you have lettuces available.
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Silene dioica
Red Campion, Devils Flower, Hare's Eye.
Hairy leaves and stems. Plant up to 1 metre high.
About
This plant grows in dappled shade and is an indicator of ancient woodland. It brightens the scene as bluebells are fading. In favourable conditions, blooming again in Autumn. Fruiting capsules open in dry weather and shed numerous black seeds.
Specialist pollinators with long tongues (such as The Long-horned Bee) do very well on the flowers. This bee is endangered, so do encourage the plant to grow. I found the plant (but sadly, not the bee) in the churchyard, Cuddington, Surrey.
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Silene latifolia
White Campion.
Soft haired. Plant up to 1 metre high.
About
Like the Red Campion, it bears male and female flowers on separate plants (in this drawing, the large seed capsule is shown on the female flower). Red and White Campion confuse us by hybridising! The offspring are a paler pink.
This plant grows in the open and in dappled shade. A favourite in our street mini-meadow, it releases a delicious night scent. This attracts night flying moths and in turn, bats. A versatile and lovely plant.
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More information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
THE SCC BLUE CAMPAIGN© The Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder. I'm out and about but you can get in touch via Cuddington Online Facebook 