What is Caryophyllaceae?
Caryophyllaceae is a large family of approximately 2000 species of flowering plants. Sometimes it is called a pink family, because it is the most common color of flowers. This species includes many conventional garden plants, including carnations, sweet William and the child's breath, as well as weeds such as Chickweed and Pearlwort. Plants in this family thrive in chalk soil. Flowers are usually pink, white or red, but other colors may appear due to breeding. They have large, beautiful flowers that are two to three inches across. These flowers can last up to three weeks after the cut. Carnation is available in white, pink, green, purple, yellow and various striped colors. There are also miniature carnations that are one to two inches across.
Sweet William is another popular member of the Caryophyllaceae family. These flowers have a sweet scent and live up to ten days after cut. Colors include different shades of red, pink and white. The flowers are edible and sometimes used as a pain reliever.
Breath Baby is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family and is popular as an accent for bouquets, arrangements and corsets. This plant consists of many branches of stems and small flowers that can be white or pink. The baby's breath lasts up to seven days after cutting off. In some regions, the child's breath is considered a difficult weed. Its roots are permanent, making it difficult to get rid of places that are undesirable.
Another member of the Caryophyllaceae family is chickweed and has earned its name because it is a favorite chicken food. These plants are three to eight inches, with paired leaves and small white flowers. It can be cooked and tastes somewhat like spinach. It is said that there are various conditions including constipation, diarrhea, cough and kidney problems. When it is applied to the skin, it is said to heal the wounds.
Pearlwort is another weed in the Caryophyllaceae family. This weed is sometimes wrong with moss due to its green color and thin grass similar toto the tufts. Small white or green flowers bloom in summer. Pearlwort is considered to be problematic weeds for some and is best removed by slicing from the top, although it may grow again if it remains at all. Others put it in the gardens to add the green light.