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Baby's breath

How to identify Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

Baby's breath, also known as Common gypsophila

Baby's breath exhibits a cloud of dainty, white to pale pink flowers, clustered at the tips of slender, branching stems. The blooms persist from summer to fall, presenting a delicate, frothy appearance. Its foliage consists of narrow, light green leaves that contribute to its airy texture. Typically reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) and spreading 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm), this plant thrives in full sunlight and well-drained sandy soils with alkaline to neutral pH. After its initial flowering, cutting back can promote a second bloom, adding to its garden appeal.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Baby's breath

1

Small, delicate white to pale pink flowers in cloud-like clusters

2

Slender, smooth stem with branching pattern, reaching 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

3

Narrow, light green leaves contributing to airy texture

Baby's breathBaby's breathBaby's breathBaby's breathBaby's breath

Detailed Traits of Baby's breath

Leaf Features

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

Baby's breath flowers are small, delicate, and predominantly white. Each bloom measures around 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in diameter. They may appear single or double-flowered, forming airy, cloud-like clusters. These flowers have a simple arrangement with five petals and often lack a strong scent. Blooms appear from early summer to early fall, creating a soft, cascading effect. The dense clusters can cover the plant, providing a striking visual appeal.

Baby's breath Flower imageBaby's breath Flower imageBaby's breath Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of baby's breath is slender and smooth, typically measuring 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) in height. It exhibits a greenish hue but may turn slightly reddish with age. The stem is characterized by its branching pattern, often starting much-branched at or near the crown, and may be either erect or sprawling. The texture is smooth, and the stem has a somewhat brittle quality, making it prone to breakage under pressure.

Baby's breath Stem image
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Key Facts About Baby's breath

Attributes of Baby's breath
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 80 cm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Fruit Color
Black
Stem Color
Green
Blue
White
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Baby's breath

Family
Pink
Icon allow
Species
Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
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Distribution Map of Baby's breath

Baby's breath is native to parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, flourishing across a broad region extending from the Mediterranean Basin to Central Asia. This plant has been introduced to several continents, notably finding its way into Europe and parts of Asia. Baby's breath is cultivated in various places, likely due to its appeal in ornamental gardening. While baby's breath is sometimes thought to be non-native in areas beyond its indigenous range, it may be considered invasive in certain regions, like parts of South America and Oceania, where its presence may have an impact on local ecosystems.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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