Silene coronaria (L.) Clairv. (syn.: Lychnis coronaria (L.) Desr.) (S-Eur., W-As.) – A fairly frequent and increasing, probably locally naturalizing escape from cultivation. Much cultivated as an ornamental in Belgium and already reported as an escape in the first half of the 19th century. However, as for many garden escapes, the possible naturalization of Silene coronaria is poorly documented in Belgium (very few herbarium collections). Already claimed as ‘naturalized’ on an off-ramp in Villers-la-Ville around 1883. In the past decades obviously increasing and often very persistent (see also van der Meijden 2005). Mostly seen in dry and sunny habitats (for instance on old walls, quays, talus slopes, etc.) but also remarkably often recorded in relative abundance along road verges in woodland (for instance in Bulskampveld in Oostkamp in 2009). The possible naturalization and spread of Silene coronaria in Belgium needs to be documented. Future invasive behaviour cannot be ruled-out.
A similar species, Silene flos-jovis (L.) Greuter et Burdet (syn.: Lychnis flos-jovis (L.) Desr.), might have been overlooked. It has a head-like, more contracted inflorescence, bifid instead of (nearly) entire petals and is less densely villous.
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Selected literature:
Van der Meijden R. (2005) Heukels’ Flora van Nederland (23e druk). Wolters-Noordhoff, Groningen: 685 p.