Wikijunior:Summer Flowers of Northern New England/Silene latifolia

 
 
White Campion
(Silene latifolia)
Side view of flower
Front view of flower
Description:
This flower has a feature behind the petals that looks like a balloon. Scientists call the balloon a calyx (kal-ix), but it looks more like a miniature watermelon. Note that the balloon is covered with hair (that can help you tell the difference between it and its near-twin, Bladder Campion. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the stem. White Campion grows to be a couple of feet tall.

Quick Facts:
White Campion likes sunny fields. It did not grow in New England until after the settlers came here from Europe. It grows naturally in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Whole plant