Red Campion

Silene dioica

Common & widespread throughout Britain.

Blooming from May to October, the unscented flowers are dark pink to red, each 1.8–2.5 cm (3⁄4–1 in) across.

There are five petals which are deeply notched at the end, narrowed at the base and all go into an urn-shaped calyx.

As indicated by the specific name, Male and Female flowers are borne on separate plants (dioecious), the Male with 10 stamens and a 10-veined calyx, the Female with 5 styles and a 20-veined calyx.

The fruit, produced from July onwards, is an ovoid capsule containing numerous seeds, opening at the apex by 10 teeth which curve back.