description Starry Campion Overview
Starry campion, Silene stellata, is a perennial wildflower native to eastern and central North America. Its loose clusters of white flowers have five deeply fringed petals that create a delicate star-like outline, while the leaves are commonly arranged in whorls along the stem. It grows in deciduous woodlands, forest margins, and rocky slopes, generally flowering during summer in sites with partial shade and well-drained soil.
insights Ranking position
Starry Campion ranks #92 of 341 in the Wildflower ranking, behind Shrubby Cinquefoil, ahead of Common Arrowhead.
help Starry Campion FAQ
Why do starry campion flowers look fringed?
Each of the five white petals is deeply divided into narrow lobes, giving the flower a fringed, star-like outline. This feature is more distinctive than the simple notched petals found on many other Silene species.
How can I identify starry campion when it is not flowering?
Look for broad leaves arranged in whorls around an upright stem, often four leaves at a node. Whorled foliage is a particularly useful clue for identifying Silene stellata.
Does starry campion prefer sun or shade?
Starry campion naturally grows in open woods and along woodland edges, so partial shade is usually suitable. It performs best in well-drained soil rather than persistently waterlogged ground.
When does starry campion bloom?
Silene stellata generally blooms in summer, with loose clusters held above its whorled leaves. The white flowers can be especially noticeable in the softer light of a woodland border.
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