Silene baccifera aka Berry Catchfly

Silene baccifera is a sprawling perennial in the Caryophyllaceae family. Gardeners also know it as berry catchfly or berry-bearing campion. Its older name is Cucubalus baccifer. Its native range spans temperate Eurasia into northern Indo-China. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in damp, shady scrub and woodland.

This plant has thin stems that spread and scramble. Its green leaves are narrow and oval, with fine hairs. The foliage falls away for winter. Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. They may take two to five years to reach full size. Its low height and wider spread suit planting beneath woodland plants. The loose stems give it an informal shape rather than an upright one.

Flowers appear in summer and hang with a slight nod. Each bloom has a bell shape and pale green casing. The white petals are narrow and split. Round black berries follow the flowers. These fruits help distinguish the plant after its blooms have faded. The evidence lists cooked leaves and young plants as edible. It gives them a low food-use rating. It does not identify the berries as edible. Do not treat the fruit as food based on its appearance.

Choose moist soil that drains well, with partial or dappled shade. The plant also tolerates full sun and a range of sites. It accepts clay, loam, sand and chalk soils. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils are all suitable. RHS rates it H6 for winter hardiness. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. It suits woodland edges, wildflower meadows and informal cottage gardens. Other suggested settings include wildlife gardens, banks and slopes.

Grow new plants from seed; routine pruning is not needed. Aphids, slugs and snails may cause trouble. RHS reports few disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. That source reports no known hazards, rather than proof of complete safety. It also records a traditional use for bleeding. This record does not establish that treatment as safe or effective. The plant contains tannins, but its other-use rating is low.