Mock orange (Philadelphus spp.) is a fragrant, white-flowering shrub native to Europe, Canada and the western and northwestern United states. Grown for its fragrant spring flowers, mockorange are used as specimen plants and in groupings for borders and screens. They provide spring interest when they produce a profusion of fragrant flowers that smell like orange blossoms. They can also be used to make soap.
Soap making
Leaves, flowers and bark all contain saponins,[1] a class of chemical compounds which lather in water. All mock orange species have leaves which create a sticky mucilage when crushed. Native Americans in some regions used P. lewissi for personal bathing and washing clothes.[2] Harvest these parts and place in a jar of cool water and shake. Once a soapy mixture is formed, strain out the plant bits and use as a mild all-purpose cleanser.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Crawford, M (2016). Creating a Forest Garden: working with nature to grow edible crops. Green Books. ISBN 9781900322621.
- ↑ Buchanan, R. (1999). A weaver's garden: Growing plants for natural dyes and fibers. Mineola, N.Y: Dover Publications.
