Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath is an herbaceous perennial Caryophyllaceae (carnation/pinks) family. It produces erect stems that may reach 3 to 4 feet tall. These stems are narrow and branched. Leaves are lanceolate, and they have smooth margins and are glabrous (waxy and free of hairs). Leaves and branching of stems occur along the stem at distinctly swollen nodes. Baby’s breath flowers from early to late summer. Flowers occur in open panicles at the end of stems. Each flower is small, white, and contains 5 petals. Baby’s breath has both a deep taproot and lateral rhizomes. Seeds are produced in oblong capsules and are small, black, and bean-shaped.

Baby’s breath is native to Eurasia and was introduced to North America in 1887 as an ornamental and cut flower. It creates dense infestations by spreading rhizomes and spreads to new locations by seeds. This species is primarily found near cemeteries and residential areas.

Prevention strategies are highly effective for this species. Refrain from using baby’s breath in fresh-cut flower and dried flower arrangements. If baby’s breath is utilized, dispose of arrangements in a trash bag.

Utilize cultural control strategies as much as possible. There are not any biological controls for baby’s breath currently available.

Hand pulling and digging out of the taproot and lateral rhizomes can effectively small patches of baby’s breath, but these must be removed below the crown which can be as deep as 1 foot. Mowing and shallow tillage are not effective at suppressing baby’s breath.

Larger infestations can be controlled with herbicides. Spring and early summer treatments are effective. Read the label before using any herbicide. Contact TCWP if you have any questions about application rates or how to use an herbicide.

• Baby’s-breath (2013) DiTomaso, J.M., G.B. Kyser et al. Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States. Weed Research and Information Center. University of California.
• Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata). (2015). Mangold, Jane. Monthly Weed Post. Montana State University Extension. Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign.
• Baby’s breath. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.