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Moss Campion
Silene acaulis · Caryophyllaceae
How it looks
Moss Campion is a herb whose very small, slender leaves gather densely into a cushion or moss-like mat, with small five-petaled pink to purple flowers scattered over the surface. At about 2 in (5 cm) tall it is very compact, growing in alpine and rock gardens.
Moss Campion is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
One note on species first. This page rests on the ASPCA verdict for moss campion (Silene acaulis), the cushion-forming alpine. Other campions carrying the same name, such as Silene koreana, are different species and are not on that list, so no cat-specific verdict covers them.
Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day.
If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well.
If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Silene acaulis
- Common name
- Moss Campion
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Caryophyllaceae
Other safe flowers
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