The red campion is a species native to common alder forests on sea shores in Helsinki and southern Finland. It has spread widely inland as an ornamental plant and along with hayseed. Its aniline pink flowers bloom from May to September and even October. The red campion is often confused with the sticky catchfly, but they are not known to grow side by side almost anywhere. The red campion prefers alder woods on moist soil rich in humus, and will not thrive on dry rocks.