The main aim of our research was to determine the response of Silene vulgaris ecotypes, occurring in different habitats, to increased nickel concentration. We used S. vulgaris seeds originating from Zn-Pb ore areas of Upper Silesia (the area adjacent to the “Szopienice” ironworks in Katowice), a serpentine dump in Wiry, as well as seeds of natural ecotype collected from an area not contaminated with heavy metals (Gajków near Wrocław). Laboratory experiments covered comparative analysis of select S. vulgaris ecotypes. In the course of pot experiments, it was possible to state that S. vulgaris ecotypes differ in morphological features (plant height, leaf shape). The other aim of research was determination response of select ecotypes to the presence of nickel in the substrate. Is Silene vulgaris originating from a serpentine dump characterized by a higher tolerance to elevated nickel content in a growth medium in comparison to other ecotypes. Studies with nickel (0, 30, 60, 90 mg·kg^-1) have shown that, according to the increase in nickel dose, there was an increase in its concentration in above-ground parts of Silene vulgaris ecotypes. Plants from serpentine dump accumulated considerably higher amounts of Ni than the remaining ecotypes. However, applied nickel did not influence magnesium content in above-ground parts of the examined Silene vulgaris. According to the increase in Ni dose, a decrease of Fe in Silene vulgaris shoots was observed and that phenomenon was most evident in plants of serpentine ecotype.