Silene menziesii is quite variable in the extent to which the inflorescence is developed and in its pubescence. This, coupled with the functionally dioecious nature of the species, has spawned a plethora of names, none of which appear to warrant recognition[].

Common Name:

General Information

Silene menziesii is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a slender taproot; it produces several to many, decumbent to erect, branched or unbranched stems usually 5 - 30cm long, occasionally to 70cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northern and western N. America - Alaska to Northwest Territories and Manitoba, south to California, Arizona and New Mexico

Habitat

Open woodlands and forests, grasslands, gravelly places, river banks, at higher elevations in mountains in the south of its range; at elevations from 200 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally grow well in a sunny position in a well-drained but moisture-retentive fertile soil[].
Although the flowers are usually hermaphrodite, they are functionally unisexual[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the pounded roots is used as eye drops to treat cataracts[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early 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.
Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.