We are following the treatment in 'Plants of the World online' (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:157380-1). Some other treatments, such as the Flora of China[], maintain this species in the genus Lychnis (as Lychnis fulgens Fisch. ex Spreng.).

Common Name:

General Information

Silene fulgens is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow from 50 - 85cm tall. The stems can be simple, or branched above[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - eastern Siberia, Russian Far East, China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Meadows and shrub thickets[]. Woodlands on low hills, wet shady scrub meadows[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a good garden soil and a warm sheltered position[].

Edible Uses

Young plant - cooked[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the root of several members of this genus contains saponins, a soap substitute used for washing clothes, hair etc[]. It is extracted by boiling the roots in water[]. Do not overboil the roots because this will break down the saponins[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
The seed can also be sown in situ in spring or early autumn though this requires more seed.
Division in spring or autumn[]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.