Red campion is an upright, clump-forming woodland wildflower covered in soft, velvety hairs across its stems and oval leaves. It features branched stems topped by dense clusters of vivid, rose-pink flowers. Each five-petalled bloom boasts distinctively deep-notched tips, creating a delicate star-like appearance above slightly swollen, ribbed green seed calyxes.
Interesting Facts
The specific epithet dioica means “two houses” in Greek, highlighting that red campion is dioecious – male and female flowers grow on entirely separate plants. Folklore associates it with the fae world, warning that picking the flowers would offend fairies or attract lightning and snakes, earning it the nickname “adder’s flower”. Roots were historically boiled to create soap due to their high saponin content.
Importance to Wildlife
This species is an absolute ecological champion, designated on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list. Its long-lasting, deep blooms are heavily relied upon by long-tongued insects, including bumblebees, butterflies like the orange-tip, and day-flying moths like the yellow shell. As a crucial ancient woodland indicator, its dense clumps provide ground shelter for invertebrates, while autumn seed capsules feed foraging birds.
Advice
Red campion is generally non-toxic to humans and common domestic pets like dogs, cats, and horses.