Bouncingbet

Bouncingbet
Saponaria officinalis

Another name for Bouncingbet is Soapwort, referring to its use as an herbal soap.  It's an alien invasive plant, so don't be shy about collecting some to make your own soap.

It makes a mild soap that can be used for general cleaning or to wash delicate fabrics.  Ingesting it will cause problems, so don't use it to wash your dog!

Here's a recipe from The Herb Gardener: How to Make Organic Soap Using Soapwort

• 2 Cups of chopped soapwort leaves and stems (1 cup dried)
• 1 Quart distilled water

Add soapwort leaves to boiling water and cover the pan.

1. Continue simmering for fifteen minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and cool.
3. Strain through cheesecloth.
4. Include any additives.

You can keep the liquid up to a week in the refrigerator.

Plants grow in groups along roadsides and "waste places".