Bouncing-Bet
Saponaria officinalis
Washington State Classification
Monitor List
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Bouncing-bet is an upright perennial that grows to around 3 feet (1 meter) tall. Plants have vigorous rhizomes that can develop colonies. Flowers are generally pink to white in color.
Leaves
Leaves are opposite, lance-shaped and have smooth margins.
Flowers
Flowers are in a congested cluster at stem tips, having 5 petals that are pink or white. Petals are spreading to reflexed, with 2 appendages at the junction of the petal base and claw. Flowers have 2 styles and 10 stamens. Flowers may be doubled and are often fragrant.
Fruit & Seeds
Fruits are oblong capsules with 4 valves that open at the apex. Capsules contain many small, kidney-shaped, flattened seeds that are covered with shiny tubercles.
Impact
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact its sponsor State Weed Board to report locations or for more information.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Grows in open areas though does tolerate some shade. Habitats include riparian areas, grasslands, oak woodlands and disturbed areas such as roadsides.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
It reproduces by seed and spreads by rhizomes.
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