The book "How to Know the Wildflowers" (1922) by Mrs William Starr Dana notes the invasive quality of this species even back in 1922. The author states the plant was brought from Europe and first naturalized near Boston. At the time of the book's publishing, the plant had become wild in different parts of the country, "quite over-running some of the farm-lands which border the Hudson River, and whitening the roadsides of Berkshire."

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Range: throughout. Additional info: the swollen mature calyx of Bladder Campion, often tinged with purple, resembles a tiny decorative paper lantern

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"Silene vulgaris, or bladder campion is a plant species of the genus Silene of the Pink Family (Caryophyllaceae). It is native to Europe, where in some parts it is eaten, but is widespread in North America where it is considered a weed.

The young shoots and the leaves may be used as food. The tender leaves may be eaten raw in salads. The older leaves are usually eaten boiled or fried, sauteed with garlic as well as in omelettes and risotto in Italy. The plant is used as a food in Spain and in Italy, where it is known as sculpit, stridolo, or by the obsolete scientific name Silene inflata."

Taken from wikipedia's page at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S...

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