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