Creeping Baby'S-Breath
ExplorePlants
Creeping Baby'S-Breath
gypsophila repens
Creeping Baby's-Breath, Gypsophila repens, is a delightful perennial herbaceous plant known for its delicate appearance and mat-forming habit. This species is highly valued in horticulture for its abundance of tiny, star-like flowers that create a soft, airy effect, often used to soften hard landscaping features or spill over rockeries. Native to mountainous regions, it is remarkably hardy and well-adapted to harsh conditions, making it a robust yet charming addition to various gardens. Its low-growing, spreading nature makes it an excellent groundcover, providing a blanket of white or pale pink blooms throughout the summer months.
Habitat: Found in rocky subalpine and alpine environments, scree slopes, and stony pastures in mountainous regions of Europe.
Appearance
This low-growing perennial forms dense, spreading mats, typically reaching 5-20 cm in height. Its foliage consists of small, lance-shaped, blue-green leaves. The plant produces a profusion of tiny, five-petaled flowers, usually white, though sometimes pale pink, each measuring about 0.5-1 cm in diameter. These delicate blooms are borne in loose, airy clusters on slender stems, creating a cloud-like appearance over the mat of foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCaryophyllaceaeGenusGypsophila
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its delicate appearance, Creeping Baby's-Breath is remarkably tough and can thrive in poor, rocky soils and harsh alpine conditions where many other plants struggle.
Its low-growing, mat-forming habit makes it an ideal choice for suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion on slopes or in between paving stones, making it a popular landscape plant.
Some species of Gypsophila contain saponins, which are natural soap-like compounds; historically, roots of related species have been used to make soap or detergent.
The genus name 'Gypsophila' literally means 'gypsum-loving,' referring to the plant's natural preference for calcium-rich (often gypsum-containing) soils.
Special abilities
Ability
Creeping Growth Habit
The plant has a prostrate, mat-forming growth habit, allowing it to spread effectively over rocky or uneven terrain and act as a groundcover, preventing soil erosion.
Ability
Drought Tolerance
Adapted to well-drained, often dry conditions found in its native mountain habitats, it can withstand periods of low moisture once established due to its efficient water usage.
Ability
Calcicole Nature
Gypsophila repens thrives in alkaline (calcium-rich) soils, a common characteristic of the limestone-rich mountain ranges where it naturally occurs.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.1 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
- Clutch Size
- 20-60
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, Gypsophila repens produces its own food by converting light energy into chemical energy, utilizing carbon dioxide, water, and essential minerals absorbed from its environment.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon Dioxide
- Water
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis And Nutrient Absorption
Ecological connections
mutualism
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Pollination for reproduction of the plant.
eaten by
Garden Snail
Cornu aspersum
Minor herbivory on leaves and stems by generalist feeders.
mutualism
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Mycorrhizal Fungi
Various species (e.g., Glomeromycota)
Symbiotic relationship with fungi in the soil, enhancing nutrient and water uptake.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Creeping Baby'S-Breath?
The easiest way to identify Creeping Baby'S-Breath is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Creeping Baby'S-Breath?
5-20 cm
How much does Creeping Baby'S-Breath weigh?
0.01-0.1 kg
How long does Creeping Baby'S-Breath live?
3-10 years
What does Creeping Baby'S-Breath eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, Gypsophila repens produces its own food by converting light energy into chemical energy, utilizing carbon dioxide, water, and essential minerals absorbed from its environment.
Where is Creeping Baby'S-Breath usually found?
Found in rocky subalpine and alpine environments, scree slopes, and stony pastures in mountainous regions of Europe.
How does Creeping Baby'S-Breath hunt?
Photosynthesis And Nutrient Absorption
How many eggs does Creeping Baby'S-Breath lay?
20-60
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