134 



WEED FLORA OF IOWA 



Fig. 75-A. Distribution of Cow-herb. 



Bouncing Bet {Saponaria officinalis L.). 



Description. — Perennial herbs with large flowers in cymose clus- 

 ters; calyx narrowly ovoid or oblong, 5-toothed; petals clawed or 

 unappendaged, stamens 10, styles 2, pod 1-celled or incompletely 

 2 or 4-celled and 4-toothed at the apex. 



Distribution. — About 40 species in Europe, Asia, and Northern 

 Africa. Saponaria officinalis is frequently cultivated in old gar- 

 dens. The mucilaginous juice forms a lather with water and is 

 valuable for taking grease spots out of woollen cloth. Commonly 

 escaped from gardens to roadsides and railway embankments in 

 many parts of Iowa but especially in northeastern and eastern 

 Iowa. 



Extemvmation. — Though this weed is a perennial it is not diffi- 

 cult to destroy in cultivated fields and gardens. In lawns and 

 places where the soil is not cultivated it is best to dig up the 

 patches, remove the dirt from the roots and let the sun dry them ; 

 covering with tarred paper will kill the weed, if it is kept covered 

 long enough, say from 6 to 8 weeks. 



PORTULACACEAE, PURSLANE FAMILY. 

 This family contains the well known moss rose, spring beauty, etc. 



