Bouncing bet (Saponaria officinalis) is a common herbaceous perennial from the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). The plant is native to Europe but has been naturalized worldwide, where it is commonly thought of as a weed.
Bouncing bet grows to a height of 1-3 feet, from rhizomes. It produces clusters of pale pink to whitish 5-petal flowers which bloom from June to September.
All parts of bouncing bet contain saponins, with the highest concentration in the seeds. Poisoning caused by bouncing bet is usually mild, as animals tend to avoid the feed that contains this plant.
- Vomiting
- diarrhea
- slow or rapid breathing
- unsteadiness
- ataxia
- coma
