Moss Campion
Silene acaulis
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Pl. 9160 — Silene acaulis
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IOverview
Overview
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) is a low-growing perennial herb native to the cooler regions of North America and Europe, including Alaska, Alberta, Austria, and parts of Scandinavia. Known for its edible leaves, this plant thrives in moist, light soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It can be found across various habitats from mountainous areas to coastal regions. One distinctive feature is its small stature, rarely reaching more than 10 cm in height; another notable characteristic is its light requirement, thriving best in environments with ample moisture but not overly saturated soil.
Quick answers
What is Moss Campion?
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) is a low-growing perennial herb native to the cooler regions of North America and Europe, including Alaska, Alberta, Austria, and parts of Scandinavia. Known for its edible leaves, this plant thrives in moist, light soil with a pH between 6.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Moss Campion thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers well-drained, sandy or medium soils with a pH of 6.5–7. It is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in various parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. This perennial plant grows up to 0.1 meters tall and is best propagated by seed or division. The edible leaves are often used in culinary applications. Ensure the plant receives adequate light while maintaining consistent moisture levels for optimal growth.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Moss Campion for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and light conditions for a successful Moss Campion planting.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, well-draining soil mix, and some moss campion seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler and more stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Ensure good drainage by adding perlite if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade until the plant establishes itself.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough light are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Moss Campion's leaves are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are used fresh in salads for their mild flavor. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 6.5–7, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Other uses:SoapGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyIcelandIrelandItalyNorwayRussia
Americas2 regions
native (2)GreenlandUnited States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Aleutian Is., Arizona, British Columbia, Føroyar, Idaho, Kamchatka, Labrador, Magadan, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 91605508-26ed-442e-a1c4-ddd38c4c7f3f
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