Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Toxic Parts:
all
Toxins:
glycosides, saponins
Flower Color:
  • flower color
  • flower color
Found:
meadows, woodlands, waterside

Time of Greatest Risk

JFMAMJJASOND

Geographical Distribution

Bouncing bet distribution - United States

Bouncing Bet

Saponaria officinalis

Soapwort, Lady By The Garden Gate
3/ 10
Bouncing bet (Saponaria officinalis), also known as soapwort and lady by the garden gate, is a common weedy perennial from the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). The plant is native to Europe but has been naturalized worldwide, where it is commonly thought of as a weed. Bouncing bet has pale pink to whitish 5-petal flowers, which grow in dense terminal clusters.

All parts of the plant contain saponins which can be mildly toxic if ingested by horses.