Taxonomy

Saponaria officinalis | Soapwort | Garbhán creagach

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not protected

Native status

Archaeophyte

Species Biology

Habitat

Roadsides and riverbanks

Life cycle

Perennial

Ex-situ conservation

Not known

Use

Soap

Vegetative nature

Herbaceous

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

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Further information

Garden escape which spreads vegetatively. Usually double-flowered and more rarely single-flowered. Formerly used as a soap substitute. It was possibly introduced in Dublin in the 18th century for use in the bleachgreens and calico printing works by the River Dodder. It was also historically used for cleaning antique or delicate linens. Soap was made from its roots.

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