Bouncingbet, Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) on Feb 23, 2011

Submitter does not have a specimen
EDRR Status: Local expert notified

Description of specimen

Saponaria officinalis Pictures taken 7/24/2006. Several years earlier this patch did not exist. A few plants existed downstream in river cobble under the I-205 bridge. This lush stand flowers heavily each summer. The stand is the largest yet observed along the Clackamas. Smaller stands do exist. This species has been well established in the Colorado Front Range for decades.

This stand has diminished in the years since the photos were taken due to competition from taller plants. The species seeds readily and is rhizomatous. It appears to be only mildly shade tolerant.

Why is 'Other' or the ability to enter a species name not an option under species? My only options would be an incorrect spp. or unknown when the exact plant identification is very well known to me.

Commentary

In talking to two persons at the Pull Together conference it seems that this species is very widespread in the Sandy River drainage. It evidentially started there with ornamental plantings along 26 along the Salmon, and it easily spreads downstream. Two people I have conversed with think this species is a lost cause along the Sandy.

However, along the Clackamas the plant started about a mile above its confluence with the Willamette. A single patch has been found on the Metro Barton property. Scattered plants can be found along the Clackamas. It is not everywhere along the Clackamas like it is on the Sandy.

Reporter
Feb. 23, 2011, 12:37 p.m.

Dear Mr Boyce,

Thanks again for this report. We discussed this species at length at the Four County CWMA meeting last week. This is a species that is not currently being targeted for control in Oregon. It is recognized as a noxious weed in Colorado, so it is a species that we will monitor. Reports such as these help us to reevaluate our priority species list and develop adaptive management strategies to target new invaders. As such, we welcome these sightings and thank you for your efforts in reporting them. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. All the best,

Samuel Leininger
WeedWise Program Manager
Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation District
221 Molalla Ave. Suite 102
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-210-6006
sleininger@conservationdistrict.org
www.conservationdistrict.org

Samuel Leininger
March 1, 2011, 9:36 a.m.