San Francisco Campion
Silene verecunda
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Will Elder, NPS
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caryophyllaceae
- Genus:
- Silene
- Species:
- Silene verecunda
- USDA Symbol:
- SIVE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, moths
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained sandy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal and mountainous regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with light exposure and cool temperatures after cold stratification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Soak seeds in fresh water for 3 hours. Cold stratify in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Establishment: Seeds are collected between May 1st and August 1st. Mature fruits are light to dark tan. Seed is black/brown at maturity. S. verecunda ssp. verecunda is found in sandy dunes from San Francisco to Santa Cruz County, California.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * some photo effects