Polemonium reptans - Jacob's Ladder

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-7, 12-18" x 12-18", part sun (full sun with consistent moisture) to part shade, sky blue flowers held on a stalk over highly dissected, mid-green foliage, blooms in spring, prefers moist, humus-rich soils, low drought tolerance, can probably take more shade than sources suggest.

Common names: Jacob's Ladder, Greek Valerian, Skunked, Bluebell, Creeping Polemonium

Family: Polemoniaceae

Origin/Distribution: New York to Minnesota, south to Georgia and Arkansas

Habitat: deciduous woodland - moist, humus-y, open canopy, also stream banks (think cool, damp, dappled shade edges)

More: Early season nectar for pollinators, spring ephemeral - however, foliage will persist for longer if not too dry and sunny, will self sow, juglone tolerant and deer resistant. Lovely in a mixed woodland planting in which it takes a summer rest and its neighbors give it shelter while it snoozes. The root has been used medicinally. The flowers are pretty in smaller posies.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens