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Polemonium pulcherrimum
Polemonium pulcherrimum Hook.
Jacob's-ladder, Skunk Leaf
Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: popu3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
An 8-16 in. perennial with a clump of several somewhat erect stems. Long, pinnately compound leaves are rather ferny in appearance, the lobes closely overlapping. Small, blue-violet, bell-like flowers occur in loose clusters on the flowering stem. The erect bells have a yellowish tube.
This wildflower has a pungent, skunk-like odor.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Blue , Purple , VioletBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Blue to blue-violet to nearly white, with a yellow throat.
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: BC
Native Distribution: AK to CA Sierras & WY Rockies
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky, often volcanic mt. slopes; mesic to moist shaded places
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky to richer, moist soils .
Conditions Comments: This wildflower has a pungent, skunk-like odor.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by divisions or seed.Seed Treatment: No treatment is necessary but stratifying stored seed may improve results.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant Society
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Polemonium pulcherrimum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Polemonium pulcherrimum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polemonium pulcherrimum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-23Research By: TWC Staff