Bouncing-bet (Saponaria officinalis, Sp. Pl.: 408 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 408 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Saponaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

Bouncing-bet, scientifically known as Saponaria officinalis, is a perennial flowering plant cherished for both its aesthetic appeal and its utilitarian properties. This species, belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, has its origins deeply rooted across Europe and stretches as far as the Caucasus region. It is celebrated for its hardy nature and its ability to thrive in various environments, making it a robust addition to gardens worldwide.

The historical significance of Bouncing-bet traces back to the 18th century, being detailed in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work, “Species Plantarum” in 1753. The plant has a rich botanical heritage, encapsulating the wealth of botanical knowledge and classification attributed to Linnaeus, who is famously referenced with the initial “L.” following the scientific name.

Visually, Saponaria officinalis boasts clusters of gentle, often pink or white flowers that emit a light, pleasant fragrance, particularly in the evening. These blooms appear in dense cymes, primarily during the summer months, creating a charming display that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The leaves of the Bouncing-bet are ovate to lanceolate, providing a lush green backdrop to the delicate flowers.

Beyond its visual charm, Bouncing-bet has notable practical uses. Historically, it was valued for its saponin content, a natural soap-like compound located in its roots and leaves. This characteristic made it a popular natural cleanser, used by Europeans for washing clothes and woolen fabrics, and even for medicinal purposes, although modern usage is less common given advancements in synthetic cleaning agents.

In gardening and landscaping, Bouncing-bet is often utilized for its resilience and low maintenance. It can be propagated easily through seeds or division, flourishing in well-drained soils and tolerating a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. However, gardeners should manage its growth carefully, as it has a propensity to spread aggressively under favorable conditions, potentially overtaking less vigorous plant companions.

In conclusion, Saponaria officinalis or Bouncing-bet, is a plant of historical, practical, and ornamental significance. Its journey from the wilds of Europe to gardens around the globe highlights its enduring appeal and versatility, securing its place in both botanical history and contemporary horticulture.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig sæbeurt, sæbeurt
Eng: bouncing bet, bouncing-bet, bouncingbet, bouncingbet soapweed, common soapwort, soapwort, sweet betty
Deu: echtes seifenkraut, gebräuchliches seifenkraut, gewöhnliches seifenkraut
Por: erva-saboeira, saboeira, saboneira, saponária
Spa: erva-saboeira
Est: harilik seebilill
Ces: mydlice lékařská
Swe: rohtosuopayrtti, såpnejlika, tvålnejlika, vanlig såpnejlika
Fin: rohtosuopayrtti
Fra: saponaire officinale, herbe à savon
Nno: såpeurt
Nob: såpeurt
Nld: zeepkruid
Cym: sebonllys, sebonllys meddygol
En: Bouncing-bet, Common soapwort, Soapwort, Bouncingbet, Bouncing-Bett, BOUNCINGBET SOAPWEED, Bouncing bet, Sweet Betty, Latherwort
Ar: صابونية مخزنية
Hy: Օճառախոտ դեղատու
Az: Dərman sabunotu
Ba: Һабын үләне
Eu: Xaboi-belar sendagarri
Be: Мыльнік лекавы
Bg: Обикновено сапунче
Ca: Herba de bataners, Herba de bugada, Herba sabonera, Llanaria, Sabonera, Saboneta, Sabó de gitana, Saponària
Zh: Fei zao cao, 肥皂草
Kw: Sebonles
Co: Sciuppuleddu
Hr: Sapunika
Cs: Mydlice lékařská
Da: Almindelig Sæbeurt, Sæbeurt
Nl: Zeepkruid, Gewoon zeepkruid
Eo: Oficina saponario, Sapherbo
Et: Harilik seebilill
Fi: Rohtosuopayrtti, Suopayrtti
Fr: Saponaire officinale, Herbe à savon, Herbe à foulon, Savonnière
De: Echtes Seifenkraut, Gebräuchliches Seifenkraut, Gewöhnliches Seifenkraut, Seifenwurz, Wachwurz
He: בורית רפואית
Hu: Orvosi szappanfű
It: Saponaria comune, Saponaria, Saponella
Ja: Sabonsō
Ko: Binupul, 비누풀
Lt: Putoklis
Mk: Сапунче
No: Såpeurt
Nb: Såpeurt
Nn: Såpeurt
Fa: گل صابونی
Pl: Mydlnica lekarska
Pt: Saboeira, Erva-saboeira, Saboneira(1), Saponaria, Saponária, Saboneira
Ro: Săpunăriță
Ru: Myl’njanka lekarstvennaja, Мыльник, Мыльнянка лекарственная
Sr: Сапуњача
Sk: Mydlica lekárska
Es: Jabonera, Navadna milnica, Albata, Flor de jabón, Flor del jabón, Herbada, Hierba de bataneros, Hierba de jaboneros, Hierba de jabón, Hierba de los bataneros, Hierba de los jabones, Hierba jabonera, Hierba lanaria, Jabonera común, Jabonera oficinal, Palo de jabón, Siabuneira, Xabonera, Yerba de bataneros, Yerba jabonera, Yerba lanaria, Yerba xabonera, Erva-saboeira, Saponaria
Sv: Såpnejlika, Rohtosuopayrtti, Tvålnejlika, Vanlig såpnejlika
Zh-tw: 肥皂草
Zh-hant: 肥皂草
Tr: Sabun otu
Uk: Мильнянка лікарська
Cy: Sebonllys, Sebonllys Meddygol

Synonyms

• Lychnis saponaria (Jess.)
• Bootia vulgaris (Neck.)
• Bootia saponaria (Neck.)
• Saponaria vulgaris (Pall.)
• Lychnis officinalis (Scop.)
• Saponaria officinalis var. glabrata (Lej. & Courtois)
• Saponaria officinalis var. floribunda (Durieu)
• Saponaria officinarum (Rupr.)
• Saponaria officinalis var. plena (Sweet)
• Saponaria officinalis var. glaberrima (Ser.)
• Saponaria nervosa (Gilib.)
• Saponaria hybrida (Mill.)
• Saponaria officinalis var. puberula (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Saponaria officinalis var. convoluta (Gray)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Altay (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Iran (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Irkutsk (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kazakhstan (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Kirgizstan (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manchuria (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Siberia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (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 Jul 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2018 by Gaget Gaget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 23, 2019 by Kenan GÜREL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Maxime GUILLEMET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Maxime GUILLEMET (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Berges Angela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2020 by Stephanie Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Raffaello 2 Garofalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 4, 2020 by de Tezanos Pinto Ximena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2021 by Rhys Williams (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Annie Salvador (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2019 by Romain Bellec (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085360)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:156627-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saponaria officinalis L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6