Bouncing-bet

Saponaria officinalis

Alternate names
Soapwort, sweet betty

Leaves
Elliptic, ovate, or lanceolate in outline, with 3 distinct veins or nerves running the length of the leaf. Leaves range from 1 1/4 to 4 inches in length and from 1/2 to 2 inches in width. Leaves are without petioles (sessile).

Stems
Erect, 2 to 6 inches tall, usually without hairs. Stems often produce a soapy lather when crushed.

Flowers
Occur in clusters at the ends of stems. Flowers consist of 5 white to pink petals.

Fruit
A long (10-12 mm), elliptical capsule.

Identifying Characteristics
Plants usually occur in colonies. Additionally, the 3-nerved leaves and stems that produce a soapy lather are characteristics that help in the identification of bouncing-bet prior to flowering. This weed might be confused with White Campion (Silene alba), which also can form dense colonies in pastures and hay fields, but white campion is covered with hairs unlike bouncing-bet.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

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University of Missouri

Bouncing-bet

Saponaria officinalis

Trouble identifying a weed?