Minnesota Wildflowers


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Saponaria officinalis (Bouncing Bet)

Plant Info
Also known as: Soapwort
Genus:Saponaria
Family:Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:Europe
Habitat:part shade, sun; roadsides, ditches, edges of streams
Bloom season:July - September
Plant height:12 to 30 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals round

[photo of flower] Flowers are about 1 inch across, 5 notched petals that spread out, then back as the flower ages. The color ranges from pale pink to white. 10 stamens protrude from the center. Behind the flower is a 1-inch long light green calyx. A small group of flowers cluster at the top of the main stem and at the end of side stems that branch from the upper leaf axils.

Leaves: opposite simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are generally oval or egg-shaped with pointed tips, up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide, with little or no leaf stem. There are 3 prominent parallel veins. The leaf edges are smooth and usually somewhat wavy. Attachment is opposite but there are often smaller leaves growing from the leaf axils.

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Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN and Pioneer Park, Blaine, MN, July-August 2007

Comments

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