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Saponaria officinalis

Species category

Weed

Common name

bouncing bet, soapwort, bouncingbet soapweed, bouncing bet, sweet Betty

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Circular and compressed

Size

  • Length 1.2–1.8 mm
  • Width 1.8–2.2 mm
  • Thickness 0.8–1 mm

Color

Black

Texture

Concentric rows of tubercles with smooth, rounded tips

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is on the seed margin.

Identification notes

The very well organized rows of tubercles originate and end at the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
. Tubercles are smooth and rounded at the tips. HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is relatively deep.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Colorado

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Valid name

Saponaria officinalis L.

Synonyms

Lychnis saponaria Jessen
Saponaria officinalis L. var. glaberrima Ser.

Saponaria officinalis. True seeds with very well-organized rows of tubercles that originate and end at the hilum.
Saponaria officinalis. True seeds with very well-organized rows of tubercles that originate and end at the hilum.