Names and Myths

Silene A Greek plant name, may be based on Silenus, the foster father of Bacchus, God of wine. Silenus often had beer foam all over his face, and the plant’s resemblance to a foam covered face caused it to be named after him.²³

cucbalus old generic name

Natural history / Folklore

European native, now found commonly along roadsides. Used as a pot herb in the spring when young, become bitter with age.³²

Description

Opposite lanceolate leaves, flowers with an inflated bladder below 5 notched white petals.