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Invasive Species in Amherst State Park

Saponaria officinalis - Bouncing Bet

photo by  WNY PRISM

June 5, 2015

Close up Photo

photo by  WNY PRISM

June 5, 2015

Location in park - GPS coordinates

Longitude: -78.7511; Latitude: 42.9688

PRISM ID.    NY-355429U

    Bouncing Bet (Saponaria officinalis) is in the Carnation family and has leafy, unbranched stems growing in patches which are topped with dense clusters of sweet scented, white or pink flowers. It flowers during the months of July through September.


    Bouncing Bet is a phlox-like perennial, was introduced from Europe, spreads by underground stems and forms sizable colonies along roadsides and in disturbed areas. This plant contains poisonous saponins (soap-like substances) that inspired the genus name (from the Latin sapo. meaning ”soap”. Lather can be made from its crushed foliage.