Native Plants
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Polemonium reptans
Polemonium reptans L.
Greek Valerian, Jacob's Ladder
Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PORE2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
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 10-20 in. A smooth, weak-stemmed plant with light blue to purple, bell-shaped flowers in loose clusters.
This attractive wildflower, with its delicate, compound leaves, is sometimes cultivated in eastern gardens.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: ON
Native Distribution: NY to MN, s. to GA & AR
Native Habitat: Moist, deciduous woods; stream banks
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: ShadeSoil 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: yesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Bumble Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
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.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.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACU | FAC | FAC | FAC |
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
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City - Jefferson City, TN
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleBibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Polemonium reptans in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Polemonium reptans in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polemonium reptans
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-23Research By: TWC Staff