Silene gallica 

'Small-flowered Catchfly'

(Syn. Silene gallica var. quinquevulnera)

Caryophyllaceae: stickily hairy annual to 40cm. found on arable land and disturbed, mainly sandy soils. The flowers are pinkish or white, and with this (var. quinquevulnera) the flowers are flushed red at the base, 10-12mm across, in one sided spikes, blooming from June-October. The seed pods are inflated capsules. The leaves are hairy, narrow and sticky. Widespread but local and scarce in Britain, restricted to unimproved arable fields. Native to Eurasia and North Africa.

USES:

The plant is said to be emollient and is used in baths or as a fumigant. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmia.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds in spring. Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive light loamy soil in a sunny position. EASY!

HARVESTED: 2023*

 APPROX. 50 SEEDS