This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Toxic parts

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Silene latifolia.

Material uses

The root is used as a soap substitute for washing clothes etc[1][2]. The soap is obtained by simmering the root in hot water.

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Silene latifolia.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Silene latifolia. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in any good sweet loam in a sunny position[3][4].

Plants tend to be short-lived and are sometimes only annual[4]. Hybridizes readily with S. dioica[5]. The plant attracts moths[5]. The smut, Ustilago violacea, causes the production of stamens in female flowers, but violet spores of the fungus replace the pollen grains[5].

Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Silene latifolia. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Silene latifolia.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Silene latifolia
Genus
Silene
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

    "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    3. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    "image:White campion close 700.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.