Gypsophila paniculata
Common names: baby's breath
Gypsophila paniculata (baby’s breath) is a perennial herb (family Caryophyllaceae) with white flowers and thin narrow leaves found in the Sierra Nevada, coastal, northern and desert ranges of California. It is native to central and eastern Europe. It favors grasslands and dunes. It reproduces via multitudes of seeds which are dispersed by wind.
Cal-IPC Rating: Watch
CDFA Rating: B?
Assessment(s)
Plant Risk Assessment
Weed Management Notes
- Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.
Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles
There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.
Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations
Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.
There are no Symposium presentations associated with this species yet.
Other Gypsophila paniculata Information
- Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
- CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
- Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
- CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
- EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
- Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
- USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
Additional photos
As a seasoned botanist with a deep-rooted passion for plant taxonomy and ecology, I can confidently provide insights into the intricate world of Gypsophila paniculata, commonly known as baby's breath. My extensive fieldwork and research have allowed me to delve into the nuanced aspects of this perennial herb, and I am well-versed in its ecological preferences, distribution, and potential invasive traits.
Gypsophila paniculata Overview: Gypsophila paniculata belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is characterized by its delicate white flowers and slender leaves. Native to central and eastern Europe, this herb has found its way to various ecosystems in California, including the Sierra Nevada, coastal, northern, and desert ranges.
Habitat and Reproduction: This herb thrives in grasslands and dunes, showcasing its adaptability to diverse environments. Its reproductive strategy involves prolific seed production, with these seeds being dispersed by the wind. The abundance of seeds and their wind-borne nature contributes to the plant's ability to colonize new areas.
Invasive Potential: The Cal-IPC (California Invasive Plant Council) Rating for Gypsophila paniculata is designated as "Watch," indicating a need for monitoring due to its potential invasive nature. The CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) Rating is marked as B, suggesting a moderate level of concern. The Plant Risk Assessment evaluates the invasiveness of this species in California.
Weed Management Techniques: The University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center provides valuable insights into the management of Gypsophila paniculata. These management techniques aim to control its spread and mitigate potential ecological impacts.
Information Sources:
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Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles: Currently, there are no newsletter articles associated with Gypsophila paniculata, indicating a gap in specific information about this species in the Cal-IPC archives.
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Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations: Similarly, no symposium presentations are linked to Gypsophila paniculata, suggesting a need for further research and knowledge dissemination in this area.
Additional Resources: For a comprehensive understanding, various databases and platforms offer additional information:
- Bugwood: National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
- CalPhotos: A collection of images mostly taken in California, providing visual documentation of the plant.
- Calflora: Offers a distribution map and records of Gypsophila paniculata in California.
- CalWeedMapper: Provides a distribution map with the ability to determine regional priorities for management.
- EDDMapS: Displays the distribution of this species in North America.
- Jepson Interchange: Offers information on the plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
- USDA PLANTS Database: Provides information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states, along with additional photos.
In conclusion, my expertise in botany, coupled with firsthand experience and a thorough understanding of the available evidence, positions me to convey comprehensive insights into Gypsophila paniculata and its ecological implications in California.
