Distribution and biology of white campion in the UK

White campion is a common broad-leaved weed of arable land. Find out how to identify and control it.

White campion (Silene latifolia) is common on arable land, emerging largely in spring crops, but it can persist to produce large plants in perennial/biennial crops. About half of overwintering adult plants can survive a hard winter.

It is a softly hairy, biennial or short-lived perennial dicotyledon, 30–100 cm tall. The leaves are pointed and reasonably broad. Male and female flowers are white with five deeply notched petals.

Young plant: First true leaves are bluntly pointed.

Flowers: White, deeply notched petals.

White campion grows to an altitude of 425m and is found on arable fields, waste ground and road verges.

It prefers deep well-drained soils.

• Seed longevity: >5 years
• Germination depth: 5 cm
• Seed weight: 7.3 mg
• Seeds/flower: 230
• Seeds/plant: 6,000

It is seldom a problem in winter rotations, or where there are grass ley breaks. Large plants can be pulled in some crops or cut before flowering to prevent seeding.

For advice on herbicides, please speak with your agronomist or adviser.

When was this information last updated?

This page is based on content from the encyclopaedia of arable weeds publication. Since it was first released in 2008, the publication has been redesigned several times but not revised. However, it remains a good foundation for general information on the distribution and biology of weeds.