Silene latifolia aka Bladder Campion

Silene latifolia, also known as White Campion or bladder campion, is a dioecious flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to most of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. This herbaceous plant can grow between 40-80 centimeters tall and is often an annual, although it can also be biennial or a short-lived perennial. The plant has an upright growth habit with elliptic leaves that form a basal rosette when young and forked stems with opposite pairs of leaves as it matures. In late spring to early autumn, clusters of white flowers, approximately 2.5-3 centimeters in diameter, bloom at the tops of the stems. Each flower has a distinctive inflated calyx and five deeply notched white petals. Occasionally, hybrid plants with pink flowers can be found, resulting from crosses with red campion. The entire plant is densely hairy, adding to its unique appearance. White Campion is slightly scented in the evening and attracts butterflies and other pollinating insects with its rich pollen. It spreads by reseeding itself and can be a lovely addition to mixed borders. However, it is important to note that this plant may be poisonous. To control the growth of White Campion, it is effective to slice off the weeds just below the soil line, particularly in dry conditions. Using a sharp-edged hoe or an old steak knife in mulched beds can sever the weeds from their roots. Any open spaces left in the mulch should be patched to prevent further weed growth.