PLANT FAMILY:
Caryophyllaceae
OTHER NAMES:
Silene vulgaris, bird’s eggs, bladder campion, blue root, bubble-poppy, cobwell, devil’s rattlebox, maiden’s tears, maidenstears, rattlebox, rattleweed, sea pink, snappery, white bottle, white hen, Bladder Silene, Cowbell, Blaassilene, smllor and Taubenkropf-Leimkraut.
SEASON(S)
Mid-June to September
HABITAT:
Can be found on grassy slopes, roadsides, stream banks and arable land.
HOW TO EAT:
Bladder Campions can be eaten raw or cooked. You want to consume the young plants, and do so in moderation. The leaves are sweet and are often used in salads. The shoots should be cooked. They have a taste similar to bitter green peas.
BENEFITS:
Good for the treatment of ophthalmia, and can also treat constipation, poisoning, intestinal pain, itch, scabies, wounds and a host of skin conditions.
FYI:
A little known fact is that the root is used as a soap substitute for washing clothes and more. By simmering the root in hot water you will produce soap.