Family: Caryophyllaceae
bouncing-bet, soapwort
[Lychnis saponaria Jess.]
Matthew L. Wagner
Michael Clayton
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Saponaria: sometimes called soapwort, the name derives from the Latin sapo, "soap," for its soap-producing qualities
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, mostly hairless forb; stems leafy; with colony-forming rhizomes
Leaves: opposite, lance-shaped, stalkless, with a prominent "bump" at the nodes
Flowers: white to pink, 5-parted, 3/4"-1" wide, fragrant, often double; tube-forming sepals 1" or longer, petals flaring backward; inflorescence a many-flowered, domed cluster; blooms July-Oct.
Habitat: disturbed sites, often sandy sites
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, mostly hairless forb; stems leafy; with colony-forming rhizomes
Leaves: opposite, lance-shaped, stalkless, with a prominent "bump" at the nodes
Flowers: white to pink, 5-parted, 3/4"-1" wide, fragrant, often double; tube-forming sepals 1" or longer, petals flaring backward; inflorescence a many-flowered, domed cluster; blooms July-Oct.
Habitat: disturbed sites, often sandy sites
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive
Introduced from Eurasia and thoroughly naturalized; first collected in 1884. This species often forms large patches along roadsides, railroad tracks, in fields, and occasionally on lake dunes and forest edges.
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Michael Clayton
Steve C. Garske
Steve C. Garske
Michael Clayton
Robert Bierman
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Janice Stiefel
Matthew L. Wagner
Steve C. Garske
Janice Stiefel
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
