Bladder Campion Traditional Cache

Bladder Campions are right by the Information Kiosk at the South part of the Park Preserve. Unfortunately past their prime. I hope this is more than a Park and Grab. The Preserve deserves a thourough visit.

Silene vulgaris, the bladder campion or maidenstears, is a plant species of the genus Silene of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae). It is native to Europe, where in some parts it is eaten, but is widespread in North America where it is considered a weed.

This herbaceous perennial plant is about 2' tall, often branching near the base. The stems are pale green, terete, and usually hairless. The opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and ¾" across, sessile against the stems, and pale green to grayish green. They are usually oblanceolate, but sometimes lanceolate or elliptic. Their margins are smooth and slightly ciliate, otherwise the leaves are hairless to sparsely pubescent.

Bladder Campion is an attractive plant while it is in bloom. It can be distinguished from other white-flowered Silene spp. primarily by the appearance of its swollen calyx: This calyx has a complicated network of veins and it is frequently dull pink. For other white-flowered Silene spp., the calyx is usually more green and slender, and there are fewer conspicuous veins along its length. Another unusual characteristic of Bladder Campion consists of its deeply cleft petals, whereas other similar species typically have shallowly cleft or notched petals.

The young shoots and the leaves may be used as food in some countries of the Mediterranean region. The tender leaves may be eaten raw in salads. The older leaves are usually eaten boiled or fried,  sautéed with garlic as well as in omelettes.

The cache is camoed and tied in. It holds only a log with a rubber band and a tiny plastic zip lock bag. Please keep track of all the parts and replace as you find it. It usually helps to have the rubber band on your finger while you log. BYOP and no tweezers, please, they kill the plastic.