Habitat

Map depicting the states in North America that are populated by Silene Latifolia. No Permission needed by USDA.GOVWhere to find Silene latifolia
 Silene latifolia can be prominently found in North America as well as Europe. It grows best in disturbed habitats and lowlands/grasslands. For instance, it grows on the side of the road and in fields (Brandeis, 2004). It grows well in dry and sunny climates. Silene latifolia is common in the northern states of America, even found in parts of Alaska as a biannual plant. The map depicts the states in North America, which have reported sightings of Silene latifolia (USDA, 2013).
  
A closer look: Details on habitat
    Even though Silene latifolia grows well in dry and sunny climates, it has been known to grow in almost every state of the United States and in Europe revealing it does not have a very specialized habitat or specifically grow in the southern states (Ripperton, 2006). Another sign that Silene latifolia does not have a specific habitat is the plant is eaten by both generalized and specialized species (Bucheli et al., 2001). Learn more about the different organisms that interact with Silene latifolia on the interactions page.  The habitats it can live in can be extreme ones because of the natural selection process that advanced the plants’ reproductive and growth systems (Zluvoria et al., 2010). To learn more about the advancements of Silene latifolia, check out the adaptations page.

Invasive Species White Campion, Silene latifolia. Photographed by Chris Evans, photograph courtesy of Forestry Images. Invasive species in North America: What does that mean?
 Silene latifolia has been known as an invasive species in North America since it was brought over from Europe about 200 years ago. Speculation on its arrival suggests that it may have been brought over by ship parts. The invasive species has transformed into a “weedy Phenotype.” This invasive species has a higher susceptibility to infection, predation, and aphid infestation, but it also has a higher reproductive potential. Even though its susceptibility is increased, the habitat populations have a higher performance in North America (Bucheli, 2001; Blaire and Wolfe, 2004).


Check out the United States Department of Agriculture for more information on Silene latifolia and other plants.

 

 Classification                               Adaptation

References