No photo available yet
Submit a photoBouncingbet
Saponaria officinalis
⚠️ NOXIOUS — also called Soapwort. A European perennial with smooth opposite leaves on 40–80 cm stems, and clusters of pale-pink five-petaled flowers. Leaves and roots contain saponins that lather in water and were historically used as soap. Escapes from old homesteads to invade roadsides and pastures; toxic to livestock and fish (saponins dissolved in runoff can kill pond fish).
Quick Facts
Distribution
Scattered in Alberta — old homesteads, roadsides
Light
Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time
July–Sept
Soil
Adaptable
Water
Moderate
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
DO NOT PROPAGATE. Control: dig small patches including rhizomes; herbicide for larger. Repeat yearly.
Always verify plant identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. This information is for educational purposes only.
