July 9, 2025

When I find this plant in bloom along the trails up here I’m totally delighted. This is Starry Campion (Silene stellata). Native to the eastern and central United States.

I sometimes see Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris)(see the picture below), a plant that fascinates me, much like Starry Campion. These two plants are related, belonging to the same genus, Silene, within the pink family (Caryophyllaceae).

But Bladder Campion is not native to North America. It is native to Europe and Asia. So the native Starry Campion wins. Not only is it native but it is actually more beautiful!

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