Useful Nova Scotia Plants

Plants

Soapwort

Common name

Soapwort

Latin name

Saponaria officinalis

Characters

Tall and coarse these plants have simple stems bearing ovate or lanceolate leaves. Pinkish or white flowers are clustered near the top. May have double-flowers. May have leafy shoots arising from upper axils.

Habit

Herb

Edible Portion

Plant

Habitat

Near old gardens, roadsides, farms

Geography

Central to Pictou County

Used For

Not edible. Used for making soap and even shampoo.

Cautions

Not for internal use
Photo: Martin Thomas