Saponaria Officinalis – Soapwort

Description

Soapwort was introduced into the US during the 1600 Colonial period, when Europeans were settling. The sap from it’s roots and stems were mixed with water to form a lathery soap, which is why it is called Soapwort or Latherwort. “Bouncing bet” which is short for Bess, is an old term from England which means washerwoman. You harvest the roots in the early spring, and dry for later use.