58 



WEEDS AND USEFUL PLANTS. 



2. SAPONA'EIA, L. Soapwoet. 



[Latin, Sapo, soap ; its mucilagt affordiog a substitute for that article .j 



Calyx tubular, 5-tootlied, naked at tlie base. Stamens 10. Styles 2. 

 Capsule short-stalked opening with 4 teeth at the apex. Embryo coiled 

 into a ring. 



1. S. officina'lis, L. Leaves oval-lanceolate ; flowers in corymbose 

 clusters ; petals crowned with an appendage at the top of the claw. 

 Officinal Saponaeia. Soapwort. Bouncing Bet. 



Perennial. jSiem 12 -18 inches higli. ieares 1>^- 3 inches long. i^"Zowm large, pale 

 rose color, often double. 

 Waste places. Native of Europe . July - Sept. 



Ohs. A conspicuous weed, spreading by the root and forming large 

 bunches near buildings and giving a slovenly appearance to the farm. 

 The plant has been employed medicinally in Europe, as a substitute for 

 Sarsaparilla in diseases of the skin. * 



Fig. 36. Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis). 



