2016Wild Icelandic Vegetation - Moss Campion - Sheetlets

Moss campion (Silene acaulis) is of the Caryophyllaceae family. It is one of the most common plants found in Iceland. Its habitat is mainly in dry gravelly locations and dry grasslands, both in low-lying and mountainous regions. It has been found in 1440 m height. Moss campion flowers in early spring. It forms peculiar rounded tussocks with long and strong taproots, striking over to pink colour when the flowers are at their most beautiful in spring. The roots of moss campion are edible and have been used in porridges and fried in butter as accompaniment to meals.