MOSS CAMPION 



Silene acaulis Linnaeus 



Moss campion is one of the most attractive of the alpine plants and 

 one frequently seen by the mountaineer climbing above timberline. 

 Although its blooming season is short, differences in altitude and ex- 

 posure in its many habitats are responsible for its blooming during a 

 longer period than most alpine plants. It grows from a single woody 

 root anchored deep in rocky soil, and spreads into a flat cushion often 

 a foot or more in diameter. The bright green of the narrow leaves 

 is beautifully contrasted with the pink, or rarely white, flowers, and 

 the plant is always a joy to behold. 



This lovely member of the Pink Family is found in arctic or arctic- 

 alpine situations, from New Hampshire to Greenland, across Canada 

 and from the highest mountains of New Mexico to Alaska; also in 

 Europe and Asia. 



The plant sketched was procured near Baker Lake, fifteen miles 

 by trail north of Lake Louise, Alberta, at an altitude of 7,500 feet. 



PLATE 367 



