Latin Name: Silene vulgaris, (Silene cucubalus, Silene inflata)

Other Names: Collejas, Sculpit, Stridolo

Characteristics

• native to Europe, widespread in North America
• widely branching plant
• 1 - 3 feet tall mature plants
• white and/or pink flowers in shape of a balloon
• leaves on the smaller, narrow side
• leaves green, some greenish-blue
• leaf texture more tougher, lightly rubbery/waxy
• hairless leaves and stems
• prefers neutral to alkali soils that are dry
• generally found alongside paths and/or open grassy or rough ground

Edible Uses

• great nutrition potential
• very high in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 ⁽³⁾
• young shoots and leaves delicate sweet, pea-like tasting
• young shoots and leaves can be eaten raw
• older, mature leaves are tougher and more bitter
• older, mature leaves are normally steamed, blanched, or boiled
• great for salads, stir-fry, soups, stews and similar dishes

Medicinal Uses

• not common
• nervous system benefits ⁽¹⁾
• vermifuge properties; expelling worms ⁽¹⁾
• Silene apetala juice used for eye treatments ⁽²⁾
• Silene apetala used in baths or as a compress for its emollient properties ⁽²⁾

Other Uses

• Flowers used for decoration, in bouquets, fresh or dry

Cautionary Uses

• contains saponins (can be toxic in large quantities, neutralized by cooking, saponins are generally poorly absorbed by human body and pass through without harm)

References & Resources

1. The Chicago Medical Journal and Examiner, volume 49, 1884.
2. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, 1956.
3. Fatty Acid Profiles of Some Spanish Wild Vegetables, 2012.