Bouncing bet, Soapwort
Saponaria officinalis

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

A small plant. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 50-100 cm wide. They form mounds of wiry stems. The leaves are grey-green and oval. They are pointed and 12 mm long. The flowers are pink, red or white and 25 mm wide. They are in heads of 5 or more flowers.

It is used in medicine. There are about 20 Saponaria species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It will grow in moist soils. It is best in an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 4-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Canada, Chile, China, Europe (country/location of origin), India, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, North America, Scandinavia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The root is used as an emulsifying agent in the making of confection. It gives a fluffy texture. It is also added to sunflower seed halava. The flowers are occasionally added to salads. Caution: It can be toxic.

Edible parts

Flowers, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, division or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Fei zao cao, Navadna milnica

Synonyms

Lychnis officinalis (Linnaeus) Scopoli; Silene saponaria Fries ex Willkomm & Lange;