Family: Caryophyllaceae
Author: M.Bieb.
Bibliography: Fl. Taur.-Caucas. 1: 319 (1808)
Year: 1808
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gypsophila
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Ukraine to W. & N. Iran
Description
The plant commonly known as Showy baby’s-breath, scientifically termed Gypsophila elegans, is a captivating and delicate herbaceous annual belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. This botanical marvel, first described in botanical literature in 1808 by the esteemed botanist M.Bieb., can be found flourishing in the diverse terrains extending from Southern Ukraine to Western and Northern Iran.
Showy baby’s-breath is renowned for its ethereal appearance, characterized by slender stems that branch profusely, giving rise to an airy and cloud-like structure when in full bloom. The plant typically reaches a modest height, but its visual impact is anything but small. It bears tiny, white or pale pink flowers, each with a simple yet charming star-like shape, blooming in such abundance that they create a delicate, misty effect, often used to enhance floral arrangements and bouquets with a touch of elegance.
The foliage of Gypsophila elegans consists of small, lanceolate leaves which are sparsely distributed along the stems, allowing the flowers to dominate the overall visual impression. This characteristic foliage structure not only adds to its airy appearance but also contributes to its light and graceful aesthetic.
Ecologically, Showy baby’s-breath adapts to a range of soil types, often favoring well-drained, sandy or loamy soils that are slightly alkaline. It thrives in sunny locations, where it enjoys full sunlight that encourages prolific blooming. The plant’s resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a soft texture to their landscapes with minimal maintenance.
Overall, Gypsophila elegans exemplifies a blend of graceful beauty and hardiness, making it a treasured plant in both wild habitats and cultivated gardens. Its enchanting blossoms and widespread use in floral design underscore its enduring appeal and botanical significance.
Common Names
Deu: ansehnliches gipskraut, sommer-schleierkraut, zierliches gipskraut
Dan: enårig brudeslør
Lit: grakš
Fra: gypsophile élégante, gypsophile élégant, brouillard
Eng: showy baby’s-breath, annual baby’s-breath
Lav: glezn
Swe: sommarslöja
Ces: šater ozdobný
Lat: gypsophila
En: Showy baby’s-breath, Annual baby’s-breath, Showy Babysbreath
Cs: Šater ozdobný
Da: Enårig brudeslør
Fr: Gypsophile élégante, Gypsophile élégant, Brouillard
De: Ansehnliches Gipskraut, Sommer-Schleierkraut, Zierliches Gipskraut
La: Gypsophila
Lv: Glezn
Lt: Grakš
Sv: Sommarslöja
Synonyms
- Gypsophila elegans var. latipetala (Barkoudah)
- Arenaria pulchella (Hoffm.)
- Gypsophila ceballosi (Pau & Vicioso)
- Gypsophila producta (Stapf)
- Gypsophila carminea (Anon.)
Distribution
- Iran (native)
- Krym (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Alaska (introduced)
- Alberta (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- Baltic States (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Colorado (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Eritrea (introduced)
- Finland (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Iowa (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Kansas (introduced)
- Libya (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Minnesota (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- North Dakota (introduced)
- Northwest Territorie (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Primorye (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- Saskatchewan (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Utah (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
- Yukon (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Nov 9, 2020 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Uwe Winkler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2018 by Nikki Webb (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Meineke Dietlinde (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Alsanabani Jamal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2020 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Kara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2021 by erneszar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 9, 2018 by Emanuele Congiu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Meineke Dietlinde (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Sylvain THIELLIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2022 by Liza Viljoen (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384466)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:154453-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gypsophila elegans M.Bieb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb