Silene vulgaris (bladder campion, "Shiratamaso")

Japanese name: シラタマソウ（白玉草）
Scientific name: Silene vulgaris

[Overview]
A perennial 20–50 cm tall, found in pastures and fields in its native range.
It is hairless throughout and slightly powdery white.
Leaves are simple and opposite; those on the lower part of the stem are spatulate, 5–8 cm long, with entire margins.
The leaves on the upper part of the stem are stalkless.
Dichasial inflorescences at the stem tips bear many flowers.
The flowers are white, five-petaled, about 1.5 cm across.
The petals open flat and are deeply divided into two at the tip.
The base of the flower is enclosed in a pitcher-shaped calyx marked with a dark netted pattern.
The fruit is a capsule.

[History]
It was introduced to Japan as an ornamental at the end of the Meiji period, and has been confirmed as naturalized in Hokkaido and Honshu.

[Uses]
The leaves are used in salads and similar dishes.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It also spreads readily from self-sown seed.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil.
It is easy to grow.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilizer is not particularly needed for plants in the ground; for potted plants, apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.
There are no particular pests or diseases.