Perennial to 50 cm tall with a tough rootstock and stems with few branches. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, 4-9 cm long, pointed, with 3 prominent veins from the base. Flowers 2-3 cm wide on short stalks in dense, flat heads with small floral leaves. Sepal tube about 2 cm long. Petals pink, white or mauve; doubles may be found in different colours, sometimes under the name 'Flore Pleno'; summer.

Eurasia

Once used as a soap substitute.

Leaves with 3 prominent more or less parallel veins

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Caryophyllaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.