DAMES ROCKET
Hesperis matronalis
Plant Characteristics
Height:
2' - 4'
Stem:
Round
Leaves:
Oblong, sharp toothed
Flower:
White, pink, or purple, 4 petals
Bloom Time:
May to JulyThis plant may compete with native plants. It is often confused with the native plant phlox (pictured below). Dames rocket will produce copious amounts of seeds and can form massive colonies. It is best to manage before large colonies appear. This plant will remain green all winter.
Spot Spray
Spot spray in early spring or late fall.
Hand Pull
Hand pull small infestations. If a flower is present, dispose of the plant seeds continue to ripen (bag or burn them).
Cultural Plant Alternatives:
Narrow Leaved Purple Coneflower
Also known as echinacea, this wonder plant has widely been used in herbal medicine. It is commonly used as an immune booster as an alternative to cold fighting medicines. The plant grows easily with little maintenance and has deep roots that make them well suited for rain gardens.
Blue Phlox
This low lying plant is common in forests and moist soils. It does best in places with a lot of decaying leaf matter. The entire plant can be used to make tea to treat indigestion and treat skin conditions like eczema.
