Oh, it is so pretty right now! It is in full bloom (end of May) with tiny pink flowers in a mass. They are the perfect size for pressing for later craft items like floral candles. I was at a shop today that had a similiar flower on a taper candle with 2 small leaves and they wanted 18.00 for two. HA! .99 Cent candles with hardly any flowers at that cost--! Well, for those who ask, what is soapwort? It is, or was a very important herb prior to the 1800's. The leaves when rubbed, will form a lather, although the root is what has more saponins, which is the active property that causes the "soap" to form. It was also used as a water softener. This plant can be found near streams sides and woods that are damp. It spreads by seed and by runners and grows to be about a foot tall. Some say that it has a raspberry with a tad bit of clove smell to it.
It does well in full sun, (that's where I have mine) to a slightly shady area. You can cut it back after flowering to force another flowering stage. It is not good to plant next to fishponds because the roots can damage the fish. After drying soapwort, the lather properties dwindle, and so does the scent. It is good to use on hair, and pets, and is good on delicate fabrics. I don't know and couldn't find info on the magical properties of soapwort, so if anyone knows of anything, let me know!