Silene acaulis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Silene acaulis
Silene acaulis in Svalbard, Norway
Scientific classification

Silene acaulis, often called moss campion or cushion pink, is a tough little wildflower. You can find it growing in very cold places like the Arctic and high up in mountains across Europe, Asia, and North America. It's an evergreen plant, meaning its leaves stay green all year. It belongs to the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. Sometimes, people call it the compass plant because its first flowers often bloom on the side facing south.

What is Moss Campion?

Moss campion is a small plant that grows very close to the ground. It forms dense, cushion-like mats that can be over 30 centimeters (about a foot) wide. These cushions look a lot like moss.

A Closer Look at the Plant

The plant has bright green, narrow leaves that grow from its base. Old, dead leaves stay on the plant for many years. Its pretty pink flowers, which are sometimes white, grow one by one on short stems. These stems are usually very short, but can be up to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long.

The flowers are shaped like stars and can be male, female, or have both parts (called hermaphrodite). Hermaphrodite flowers are usually a bit bigger than female flowers. Interestingly, the plant's cushions can even change the type of flowers they produce from one year to the next! You'll usually see these flowers blooming from June to August.

The stems and leaves of moss campion are quite sticky. This stickiness might help protect the plant by stopping small insects like ants and beetles from crawling on it.

How Long Does it Live?

Moss campion plants can live for a very long time! Some plants in Colorado have been estimated to be 75 to 100 years old. In Alaska, they might live for up to 300 years. The oldest known moss campion is an amazing 350 years old and measures about 60 centimeters (two feet) across.

Gallery

Where Does Moss Campion Grow?

This map shows where Silene acaulis grows in North America.

Moss campion is very common in the cold Arctic regions and high up in mountain ranges. You can find it across Europe, Asia, and North America. In the United States, it grows in places like Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. It also thrives in Canada and Greenland.

Living in Cold Places

This plant loves to live in alpine areas, which are rocky, open spaces above the tree line. It often grows on windy ridges and mountain tops. While it mostly prefers dry, gravelly spots, it can also be found in damper areas. Its dense cushion shape helps it create its own warmer microclimate inside, especially when the sun is shining. This keeps the plant cozy in its cold home!

Moss Campion and Its Environment

Moss campion is a tough plant, but it faces challenges in some areas. For example, in Maine, it might no longer exist, and a specific type in New Hampshire is considered threatened.

Scientists have studied how moss campion reacts to changes in temperature. When plants were kept in slightly warmer conditions, they started flowering earlier. Their seeds also matured faster, and the plants produced more seeds. This shows that warmer temperatures can sometimes help the plant reproduce more successfully in the short term.

However, other studies suggest that very warm years might not be good for moss campion in the long run. While it might grow better in moderately warmer conditions, extremely warm summers could cause problems. This means that while the plant can adapt to some changes, too much warmth could eventually harm it.

Growing Moss Campion

If you want to grow moss campion, plant its seeds in early spring. Once the tiny plants, called seedlings, appear, move each one into its own pot. It's a good idea to keep them in a greenhouse for their first winter to protect them.

You can also divide larger plants in the spring to create new ones. Plant them in late spring or early summer. Moss campion needs soil that drains water well and a spot where it gets lots of sunshine. It prefers cool climates, just like its natural mountain home.

Interesting Facts and Uses

Moss campion is not usually listed as a toxic plant. However, like many wild plants, it contains natural compounds. It's always best not to eat wild plants unless you are absolutely sure they are safe and you have guidance from an expert.

Historical Uses

In the past, people used this plant for different purposes. In places like Iceland and Arctic regions, the raw root skin was sometimes eaten as a vegetable. It was also once used to help children with colic, a type of stomach discomfort.

See Also

• Flora of Svalbard