Common Soapwort is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in urban areas and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Common Soapwort, a Eurasian plant, was introduced into the UK before the sixteenth century. Its common name comes from a traditional use of the plant leaves to make a soap solution. The plant's leaves are oval-shaped, with a slight sheen, and borne on the stem in opposing pairs. The flowers may occur in a five-petalled form or as a many-petalled 'double-flowered' form (sometimes given the common name 'Bouncing Bett').
Botanic classification and naming: Common Soapwort is a member of the Carnation (Caryophyllaceae) family. The genus name
'Saponaria' identifies the plant as a Soapwort and its species name 'officinalis' means 'herbal medicinal plant'.
Concerns: Soapwort is a toxic plant, especially the roots, and more so at flowering time. Its poisonous saponin content can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Benefits: The plant's nectar attracts Bumble bees, Owlet moths, Sphinx moths and hoverflies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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