March 2017 Weed of the Month: Baby's Breath (2024)

FAQs

What is the real name of baby's breath? ›

Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

Sadly, additional traits have led to it becoming a troublesome weed outside of its native range. Gypsophila paniculata is in the family Caryophyllaceae – sharing this distinction with other cut flowers like carnations and pinks, as well as other weeds like chickweed and soapwort.

Dictionaries list the first recorded use of the name “baby's breath” between 1885 and 1890. These flowers are small and delicate, so the theory is that the name may simply be a reflection of their small whisper of an accent.

Baby's-breath grows in waste areas, roadsides, hayfields and pastures. It prefers sandy soils where it roots deeply to ground water.

Flowers like hydrangeas and baby's breath, while popular in bouquets, are actually toxic. Even if you aren't eating the actual flowers, just contact with the buttercream frosting you will eat could be dangerous, so it's best to stick with flowers that are edible.

While some like the scent, others complain that it is called baby's breath because it smells like spit. This is really a personal matter. Some like it, some don't, which is undoubtedly the case with most flowers. Just be sure that you take a whiff before you have multiple centerpieces and bouquets put together.

Baby's breath (Gypsophila elegans) contains saponins that when ingested by animals may cause minor gastrointestinal upset. In the case of humans, the sap from baby's breath can cause contact dermatitis, so yes, baby's breath may be irritating to the skin and result in itching and/or a rash.

Baby's breath is one of several types of Gypsophila, a genus of plants in the carnation family. Within the genus are several baby's breath cultivars, all with long, straight stems and masses of dainty, long-lasting blooms. Baby's breath varieties are easy to plant by seed directly in the garden.

Gypsophila or Baby's Breath.

(Then they come back and ask me for other ideas!!!) Despite the fairy tale romance and 'frothiness' gyp offers, it's toxic if eaten. It can also irritate your nose and cause asthma.

The Good: Baby's breath is an inexpensive and affordable option for bridesmaids' bouquets or centerpieces. It's extremely hardy and has a long lifetime. This flower also offers a light, alluring and sweet look.

What are the benefits of baby breath? ›

Medicinal Facts

The baby's breath flower is very well-known for its possible anti-cancer fighting properties. Chemicals within the flower known as saponins have the ability to break down cancer cells, opening them up to being killed by anti-cancer drugs by up to a million-fold.

When Baby's breath invades grazing land, it reduces native grasses and forage for grazing animals and wildlife. When it develops seeds and matures, the plant breaks off at the ground and rolls long distances across the landscape with the ability to spread the over 10,000 seeds per plant!

BABY'S BREATH

Only mildly toxic, ingestion can still lead to vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy in your cat.

Gypsophila paniculata, the baby's breath, common gypsophila or panicled baby's-breath, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to central and eastern Europe.

Mowing before seed development will help to control baby's breath, but it will not kill it. Herbicides that contain metsulfuron methyl (e.g. Escort, Ally, Cimarron, Chaparral) are effective when applied during the bolt to pre-flower growth stage.

Keep in mind that the entire baby's breath flowers are toxic to pets as well as to people. It is best when used as decorations instead of for consumption. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur when you eat baby's breath flowers.

How Long Does Baby's Breath Last? Baby's breath is a hardy shrub. It's a common joke among growers that the baby's breath plant is something even the worst flower growers can't kill. Fresh ones will last anywhere from 8-10 days, or more when properly cared for.

Toxic to both cats and dogs are Tulips, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Aloe, Begonias, Baby's Breath, and Amaryllis.

These days, baby's breath is a pretty outdated filler—but that doesn't mean it has no place in wedding décor! Some brides are modernizing this trend by using baby's breath on its own.

Quickly unwrap it from it's wrapping, snip them at their stems and place them in a vase of fresh water. Don't forget to replace the water daily to keep them staying fresh as long as possible! You can also give them a fresh cut on the end of the stems daily to ensure the blooms continue to get a fresh source of water.

Is baby breath a funeral flower? ›

If you wish to express sympathy and grief at a funeral for a child, baby's breath would be a good choice for your arrangement. However, this flower can also be used to express these feelings for friends and family of all ages.

Although urban legends can vary in their details, this one usually consists of a cat climbing into a crib with a baby and stealing its breath. Supposedly, this happens because either the cat is attracted to the milk scent on a baby's breath, or it is simply jealous that the owners are giving more attention to the baby.

Is gypsophila poisonous? YES. Is baby's breath safe to put on a cake? Yes, IF DONE SAFELY.

EDIBLE PERENNIAL FLOWERS

Baby's breath (Gypsophila sp.) – White or pink flowers with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. flowers with a mild onion flavor. Garlic chives (A.

Once the pieces from the one stem of baby's breath is bunched together, you can see that a little goes a long way. That one stem could be enough for a mason jar centerpiece. If you want a more full arrangement, you will need 2 stems. For a full bouquet, 5-7 stems.

In general, quality dried flowers can last for up to two or sometimes even three years when properly cared for.

Baby's breath is a budget-friendly filler because a few stems can go a long way. Most varieties, like gypsophila overtime and gypsophila million star, range from $1.50-$1.90 per stem.

The species is poisonous. The poisonous parts of the plant are the flowers and the rest of the plant are poisonous when they are dry. The species can cause eye irritation, sinus irritation meaning in the nasal cavity, or asthma after the plant is repeatedly handled.

Baby's breath. Why is it a problem? Like other invasive plants in the Top 12 for the region, baby's breath out-competes native plants and takes over their habitat, while providing no food or habitat for native wildlife.

Why does baby breath smell good? ›

A baby's breath doesn't usually smell. That's because they have no teeth. Your teeth and tongue collect a myriad of things that can cause your breath to smell including food debris, sugars, and bacteria.

Baby's breath is known for its tiny delicate flowers which bloom in late spring through the summer. To help this plant bloom better and longer, simply follow the pruning steps to help promote a second bloom and then winterize it before the first frost. The plant will come back each spring and rebloom every year.

These stems of baby's breath saturated with water can easily survive for 2 to 3 days out of water.

Chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums makes great choice flowers for expecting mothers as they symbolize fidelity, long life, and cheerfulness.

Baby's Breath has long been used as a symbol of purity, innocence, hope, and new beginnings. For these reasons, it has been traditionally used in wedding bouquets and baby showers. In many cultures, Baby's Breath is given to new mothers for good luck, which is how this flower got its name.

Purity and Innocence – Baby's breath flowers are commonly seen in white, making them a representation of purity, chastity and modesty. In religious contexts, they have been associated with spirituality and the power of Holy Spirit in Christian faith.

Gypsophila is native to the steppes of Europe and central to western Asia, and was often used as an ornamental in Victorian gardens. Also known as soap root in Europe, the roots of plants in this genus contain saponins, which foam and possess cleaning properties when mixed with water.

Perennial Gypsophila Species

The frilly, double-petaled baby's breath found in flower shops is the most widely known perennial example. In addition to florist types, look for creeping varieties of perennial baby's breath with either pink or white blooms.

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring. Cover the seeds lightly with ¼ inch of seed starting formula. Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F. Seedlings emerge in 10-14 days.

Cats should never consume lavender because it's toxic and can cause nausea and vomiting. Lavender plants contain linalool and linalyl acetate, which are poisons to cats because they can't process these compounds.

Why does my kittens breath smell rotten? ›

Kitten bad breath (halitosis) is most often caused by plaque buildup – that's the sticky, filmy stuff on the teeth that's loaded with bacteria. The bacteria release Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs), odorous molecules that give off that stinky smell whenever your kitten yawns or sneaks in for a snuggle.

The Good News: Roses Aren't Toxic. Roses are non-toxic to pets, making them a fairly good option for landscaping for pet owners. They're a good option for cut flowers inside, as well, since they won't hurt your indoor pet if they consume any fallen pedals.

Baby's Breath

You go a little crazy sometimes, and people just want to give you a big hug. Fairy tales and everlasting love is something you believe in, and no amount of pragmatism is going to change your mind. A romantic deep inside, you're always cheerful and happy.

This boutonniere provides a more updated look with a single red rose surrounded by baby's breath.

Once your baby's breath plant establishes its roots, you can take cuttings from the flower and plant them to spread the baby's breath throughout your garden.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Children with GERD often regurgitate food which can cause oral health problems. Liver problems: When the liver is not functioning properly, the unprocessed bile that accumulates in the body can produce breath that smells like fish or rotten eggs.

It is now found growing wild across North America and is featured in the noxious weed lists in a few states, including Washington and California.

Re-cut stems of the baby's breath under warm running water. Bundle five to seven stems together with twine or a rubber band. Hang these upside down in a dark, warm and well-ventilated room. Check the drying flowers after five days.

Gypsophila is a family of plants known commonly as baby's breath. The abundance of delicate little flowers makes it a popular border or low hedge in the garden. You can grow baby's breath as an annual or a perennial, depending on the variety chosen.

Gypsophila or Baby's Breath.

(Then they come back and ask me for other ideas!!!) Despite the fairy tale romance and 'frothiness' gyp offers, it's toxic if eaten. It can also irritate your nose and cause asthma.

Is Baby's breath an expensive flower? ›

The Good: Baby's breath is an inexpensive and affordable option for bridesmaids' bouquets or centerpieces. It's extremely hardy and has a long lifetime. This flower also offers a light, alluring and sweet look.

A couple of other pluses: Baby's breath is budget-friendly (it's much more affordable than many in-demand wedding flowers like garden roses and peonies), not to mention long-lasting (so it won't wilt in warmer climates like many flowers do).

Fresh ones will last anywhere from 8-10 days, or more when properly cared for. Caring for fresh ones involves preventing bacteria growth, keeping the stems hydrated, and mixing flower food preservatives to the vase water.

noun. gyp·​soph·​i·​la jip-ˈsä-fə-lə : any of a large genus (Gypsophila) of Old World herbs of the pink family having loosely branching clusters of numerous small, delicate, usually white or pink flowers : baby's breath.

Keep in mind that the entire baby's breath flowers are toxic to pets as well as to people. It is best when used as decorations instead of for consumption. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur when you eat baby's breath flowers.

The baby's breath is a common ornamental flower placed within wedding bouquets and centerpieces and has become strongly associated with feelings of love and affection. Its white petals are associated with the purity of marriage, as well as the innocence of children, and are given as gifts to expecting mothers.