Saponaria officinalis
| Saponaria officinalis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 4 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Meadows Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Saponaria officinalis (common name: soapwort)
Propagation: Seed - best if given a short cold stratification. Sow autumn or late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates within 4 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, it can be successfully done at any time in the growing season if the plants are kept moist until they are re-established. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[1]. Prefers a neutral to alkaline soil[2].
Hardy to about -20°c[3].
A very ornamental plant[4], soapwort is often grown in the herb garden and is sometimes cultivated for the soap that can be obtained from the roots. There are some named forms, usually with double flowers, that have been selected for their ornamental value[3]. Plants can be very invasive when grown in good conditions[K]. Soapwort should not be grown next to a pond with amphibians or fish in it since if the plant trails into the water it can cause poisoning[2].
The flowers are slightly scented with a sweet aroma that has an undertone of clove[5].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[1].
Range: Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain and temperate Asia.
Habitat: Fields, roadsides and along the banks of streams[8].
Medicinal: Soapwort's main medicinal use is as an expectorant. Its strongly irritant action within the gut is thought to stimulate the cough reflex and increase the production of a more fluid mucus within the respiratory passages[9].
The whole plant, but especially the root, is alterative, antiscrophulatic, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, expectorant, purgative, sternutatory and tonic[10][8][11][6][12][13]. A decoction of the whole plant can be applied externally to treat itchy skin[10][14][2]. The plant has proved of use in the treatment of jaundice and other visceral obstructions[10], but is rarely used internally in modern herbalism due to its irritant effect on the digestive system[2]. When taken in excess, it destroys red blood cells and causes paralysis of the vasomotor centre[2]. See also the notes above on toxicity[10][8]. The root is harvested in the spring and can be dried for later use[8].
One of the saponins in this plant is proving of interest in the treatment of cancer, it is cytotoxic to the Walker Carcinoma in vitro[13].
Usage: A soap can be obtained by boiling the whole plant (but especially the root) in water[15][6]. It is a gentle effective cleaner[8][16], used especially on delicate fabrics that can be harmed by modern synthetic soaps (it has been used to clean the Bayeaux tapestry). It effects a lustre in the fabric[17]. The best soap is obtained by infusing the plant in warm water[18]. The roots can be dried and stored for later use[18]. The plant is sometimes recommended as a hair shampoo, though it can cause eye irritations[2].
The plant spreads vigorously and can be used as a ground cover when planted about 1 metre apart each way[19].
Pollinators: Lepidoptera
Notes: This will grow well in some of your wetter areas.
We can supply in the spring.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Early Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: The plant contains saponins[6]. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several th
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Triska, Jan. Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn, 1975.
- ↑ Baines, Chris. Making a Wildlife Garden.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Allardice, Pamela. A-Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers, 1993.
- ↑ Mabey, Richard. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana, 1979.
- ↑ Saunders, Charles. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications, 1976.
- ↑ Hill, Albert. Economic Botany. The Maple Press, 1952.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Buchanan, Rita. A Weavers Garden.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.