By Drew Higgins (Carleton College)
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis)
Moss-like mats
Occurs in rocky, alpine environments
Silene acaulis
Salverform flowers (composed of united petals forming a tube that spreads at the open end)
Cushion of moss (also called “cushion pink”)
Aromatic flowers like lilac
Moist but well-drained areas
Pink, lilac, or purple flowers
Inserts long woody taproots into crevices
Often on cliffs or ledges
Named after the wreaths of champions in European public games, which were adorned with red campion flowers (Silene dioica)
Moss campion (photo by Susie Dain-Owens)