The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: spreading Jacob's-ladder, Greek-valerian

Family: Polemoniaceae (phlox family)

Distribution: c. and e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: Spreading Jacob's-ladder is commonly found in rich, moist woods and along streams. It is a small plant, usually reaching not more than 18" tall, and grows in a mounding, somewhat floppy habit. The flowers are bell-shaped and light blue, appearing from April to June, in loose clusters at the ends of the stems. The common name, Jacob's-ladder, comes from the arrangement of the leaflets. Various bees are frequent pollinators of this plant, as well as some butterflies and moths.