Caryophyllaceae
8–25 cm
Coastal
White
A cushion-forming white flower of sea cliffs and shingle beaches, with distinctive inflated calyces and deeply notched petals.
Natural History
Sea Campion is one of Britain's most characteristic coastal wildflowers, forming dense, cushion-like mats of grey-green foliage studded with large white flowers on the exposed faces of sea cliffs, shingle beaches, and coastal grassland. The flowers are 2–2.5 cm across, with five deeply notched petals emerging from a distinctive, inflated, bladder-like calyx that is beautifully veined in purple. The plant is highly adapted to coastal conditions, with a deep taproot and waxy, succulent leaves that resist salt spray and desiccation. It flowers from May to August and is an important nectar source for coastal insects. Sea Campion is closely related to Bladder Campion, which grows inland, but can be distinguished by its cushion-forming habit and coastal habitat.
Habitats
Key Pollinators
Traditional Uses
Sea Campion has no significant culinary or medicinal uses. It is an important plant for coastal wildlife, providing nectar and shelter for insects.
Did You Know?
Sea Campion is one of the few plants that can grow on shingle beaches, a harsh habitat with almost no soil, extreme drainage, and constant salt spray.
Related Species
Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
A cheerful low-growing flower with clusters of yellow and orange pea-flowers, found in grasslands throughout Britain.
Wild Thyme
Thymus polytrichus
A low-growing, mat-forming plant of chalk downland and coastal turf, filling the air with a warm, aromatic fragrance.