Dame’s Rocket, (Hesperis matronalis)

Discussion in 'Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Ferns and Bulbs' started by Durgan, May 31, 2008.

  1. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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    Dame’s Rocket, Sweet Rocket, or Dame's Violet (Hesperis matronalis) is an attractive plant, and has has a wonderful odour, but is an invasive plant. Dame's rocket is listed as a noxious weed. My plants are not allowed to seed, and it propagates from old growth yearly. Ontario is covered with this plant.

    It was introduced to America from Europe in colonial times. It is often confused with taller varieties of phlox, but Dame’s rocket has four petals on each flower, while phlox has five petals. Dame's rocket has, toothed leaves that grow alternately along the stems, while phlox has smooth-edged, opposite leaves.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 17, 2010
  2. nic

    nic Active Member 10 Years

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    Gosh, we grow a lot of the same things, considering how far apart we live. Mine's just about to flower, (shot out to have a look when I saw your pictures) it's a pale form, and grows by the path to the front door, so we have the scent coming into the house. Don't have a problem with it seeding,sadly, as I wouldn't mind a bigger clump.
     
  3. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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    Don't worry it spreads. I keep the two clumps contained by digging a trench around the plot. It dies back and blooms slightly later in the season.
     
  4. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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    http://www.durgan.org/URL/?DamesR 27 May 2009 Dame’s Rocket, (Hesperis matronalis)

    Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a common wildflower inhabiting most of North America. It was introduced to America from Europe in colonial times. Dame's rocket is listed as a noxious weed, and is most invasive.. It is a short-lived perennial, but a prolific self-seeder. Seeds are spread by birds. The flower have a pleasing, powerful fragrance.

    Many people confuse this plant with Phlox. Phlox has five petals and a smooth leaf, but Dame's Rocket has four petals and a serrated leaf.
     
  5. Francis Eric

    Francis Eric Member

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    After It flowers (early right) I'd like to identify it thank you, I can look it up myself, and I will try to share with the group pictures.
    (I was wondering how I could identify it easly now after it flowers?

    When Does pholx flower at the same time?

    (I will look up the medicinal stuff anyways, but maybe you could help?

    are those the seeds those pod looking things (I could always check out side, but
    http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+0502+0298
     
  6. forestlover

    forestlover Member

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    Re: Dame’s Rocket, (Hesperis matronalis)

    The plant shown in the CalPhoto link you provided is actually Lunaria annua (not Hesperis matronalis as noted in the link).

    I happen to love Hesperis matronalis. It actually blooms in the shade (with dappled sunlight), and the fragrance is heavenly. I can't imagine a shady garden without Sweet Rocket.

    Hesperis matronalis blooms in the Spring, and Phlox after that (at least at my place).

    Here's a good site to tell the difference between Phlox and Hesperis m. -
    http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/weeds/damesrocket/damesrocket.htm

    And another good site showing all parts of the plant, including green seed pods - http://www.weedinfo.ca/weed.php?w=HEVMA

    Hesperis matronalis dried seed pods can be seen here -
    http://theseedsite.co.uk/db10.html
     
  7. kaspian

    kaspian Active Member 10 Years

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    I like it too. Around here it doesn't seem invasive. I'd call it "persistent" -- it comes back pretty reliably from year to year in places where it's been introduced, though over time it seems to get squeezed out by more aggressive competitors, except in certain, part-shaded locations that suit it to a T.

    I realize it's not a native plant, but I can't think of it as a weed.
     

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