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. It is an herbaceous perennial growing to tall and wide, with mounds of branching stems covered in clouds of tiny white flowers in summer (hence the common name "baby's breath"). Another possible source of this name is its scent, which has been described as sour milk, like a baby's "spit-up". Its natural habitat is on the Steppes in dry, sandy and stony places, often on calcareous soils (gypsophila = "chalk-loving"). Specimens of this plant were first sent to Linnaeus from St. Petersburg by the Swiss-Russian botanist Johann Amman.
Cultivation It is a popular ornamental garden subject, and thrives in well-drained alkaline to neutral soils in full sun. Numerous cultivars have been selected, of which 'Rosenschleier' (with pale pink double flowers) has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Toxicity Gypsophila paniculata is toxic to humans, and can cause contact dermatitis.
Floristry Gypsophila paniculata is much used in the floristry trade (where it is often simply called "gyp") providing an effective backdrop for larger or more structured blooms. It is commercially cultivated in Peru, forming a major portion of that country's flower exports. It is commonly grown and sold for corsages in the United States.
Invasive Gypsophila paniculata is now widely distributed in North America.PLANTS Profile - Gypsophila paniculata L. - baby's breath, PLANTS Database, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 6 July 2010. It is classed as an invasive species in places around the Great Lakes, such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreDoes removal of Baby’s Breath from Lake Michigan sand dunes restore native plant diversity and ecosystem function? , The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved 6 July 2010. and the Chicago region,Invasive Plants in the Chicago Region , Chicago Botanic Garden. in the Pacific Northwest,Pacific Northwest Noxious Weed List, Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council. Retrieved 6 July 2010. and California where it is a declared noxious weed.
Pests and diseases Root development is completely inhibited by Pantoea agglomerans pv. glysophilae. Both Pag and Pantoea agglomerans pv. betae cause gall formation. Pag is a problem for the floral industry, for example in the Israeli industry.
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