The plant, commonly found throughout Latvia, is a perennial, medium-sized (30-80 cm) member of the carnation family. It blooms from June to September, often growing in groups along riverbanks, forest edges, roadsides, and various wastelands.

All parts of the plant, especially the rhizomes and roots, contain saponins, which produce a soapy lather when mixed with water, hence the name soapwort. Saponins are also present in soapwort and are used in the production of wool, halva, cream, carbonated beverages, and beer.

The plant is toxic! Ingesting a large dose of soapwort can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and coughing. A characteristic sign of poisoning is a sweet and then burning taste in the mouth with a sensation of mucus.

Photo: www.redzet.eu

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia