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Home  /  Plants  /  Budburst Species  /  Silene acaulis
Phenology Observation Sheet for Wildflowers and Herbs

COMMON NAME

Moss campion

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Silene acaulis

ALSO KNOWN AS

cushion pink

Plant family

Pink (Caryophyllaceae)

Plant group

Wildflowers and Herbs

A perennial alpine cushion plant typically growing to just 2" tall and about 12" across.
4 reports
3+
OBSERVERS
4+
OBSERVATIONS
!

Identification hints

In typical precipitation conditions, the entire plant can be covered with pink blossoms. The tips of the flower petals are notched, i.e. "pinked" which is the source of the common name "pink."
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Did you know?

Flowers can be male, female, or hermaphrodite, and cushions can even change sexes between years.
DISTRIBUTION IN TH U.S.
Alaska , Arizona , Colorado , Idaho , Maine , Montana , New Hampshire , New Mexico , Nevada , Oregon , Utah , Washington , Wyoming
HABITAT
Found in alpine areas at elevations of 9,000-12,000' above sea level often in moist rock crevices.
ATTRIBUTES
Leaves
Bright green glossy leaves grow in pairs from the stem (opposite). Leaves are small and narrow, and can be somewhat prickly.
Flowers
Flowers are borne one flower per short 1" stalk. Flowers are five-petaled, bright pink, and about 1/2" wide. 10 stamens and 3 styles extend out of the flower's throat.
Fruits
Fruit is a dry capsule with many seeds that splits open when ripe.
Bloom Time
Typically blooms June through August.

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