Native Plant Database

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Bloodworth, Stefan (Durham, NC)

Polemonium reptans L.

Greek valerian, Greek-valerian, Jacob's Ladder

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

USDA Symbol: PORE2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The attractive, pinnately compound leaves and the loose flower clusters of this perennial arise on separate stalks. The stalks are slender and somewhat weak, rising 10-15 in. A smooth, weak-stemmed plant with light blue to purple, bell-shaped flowers in loose clusters. The large, bell-shaped flowers are blue or pink in color.

This attractive wildflower, with its delicate, compound leaves, is sometimes cultivated in eastern gardens.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Fruit Type: Capsule

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Blue
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SD , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: ON
Native Distribution: NY to MN, s. to GA & AR
Native Habitat: Moist, deciduous woods; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Drought Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, humus-rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Will go dormant in drought conditions.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagate by rootstock division or seed. Divide clumps in early spring or late summer. Sow seeds as they ripen or in very early spring.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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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 Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. Leyerle

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Polemonium reptans in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Polemonium reptans in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polemonium reptans

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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