Soapwort
Saponaria officinalis
Saponaria officinalis is a common perennial plant from the family Caryophyllaceae. This plant has many common names, including common soapwort, bouncing-bet, crow soap, and soapweed. There are about 20 species of soapworts altogether.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
⚠ Safety
Contains saponins; the plant makes a gentle natural soap but is toxic if eaten.
At a glance
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Water need
- Low
- Mature height
- 0.6 m
- Maintenance
- Low
- Hardiness
- USDA 3–9
- Layers
- herb, groundcover
Functional roles
Propagation
How to make more of this plant for free — the permaculture way.
When: Divide spring
Boil the leaves/roots for a traditional soap; scented flowers for moths and bees. Spreads, so contain it.
Where to get it
Read more
Seed data pending expert review. Identification photo and description are sourced from Wikipedia/Wikimedia; always confirm a plant in person before eating any part of it.