Dwarf Catchfly Silene acaulis

Moss campion is commonly found in the artic, high mountains, and alpine tundra. The plant is a compact, cushion-like, or mat-forming evergreen perennial that has tiny star-shaped flowers in the summer. It is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family that includes the carnations or pinks.

The plant is native to subarctic and subalpine regions of the northern hemisphere and can be found as far south as Arizona. It is typically found in the rocky crevices of the mountain and is also found scattered throughout the Rocky Mountains of the United States. The cushion shape helps protect the plant from high winds and retains heat and moisture. The plant is tolerant of temperatures as low as -30 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The genus name, Silene, means "catchfly" or "campion." The plants in this genus have sticky hairs that discourage ants and other insects from eating the plant. The common name "campion" is derived from the word "champion." In Europe, the flowers of the Moss campion were used as a head wreath for winners of sporting events. 

Moss campion prefers full sun, low humidity, and cool temperatures. It does best in moist, well-drained, chalk, loamy, or sandy soils with a neutral or alkaline pH. It requires no pruning and is very low maintenance. It is intolerant to drought and winter wetness. The plant also dislikes summer heat and humidity. The plant is propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. 

Mossy campion forms thick compact mats of bright green leaves. The plant measure 2 to 4 inches in height and 8 to 10 inches wide. Numerous tiny pink five-petaled flowers bloom during the summer months. The fruit is a capsule that contains many seeds that are dispersed by the wind. 

Mossy campion is a popular rock garden plant in cool climates. It may be used in rocky crevices, rambling over steppingstones, or spilling over the sides of a container. In North Carolina, our native, creeping phlox, maybe a good alternative for our climate.

Seasons of interest:

Bloom: Summer          Foliage: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter            Fruits: Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• cushion or mat-forming habit in cool alpine or arctic climates
• tiny bright green linear or lanceolate evergreen leaves
• tiny star-shaped, pink or occasionally white, five-petaled, notched at the end of the petal
• tiny capsule fruit with three chambers, opens apically with six teeth
• tiny light brown seeds 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant is generally pest and disease-free.