Common Name: Dame's Rocket Scientific Name: Hesperis matronalis Habitat: roadsides, forest edges, ornamental beds Provincial Designation: Noxious Noxious weeds are plant species designated in the Alberta Weed Control Act. Noxious weeds must be controlled, meaning their growth or spread needs to be prevented. |
Origin
Dame's rocket is native to Europe and southwest Asia and was introduced to North America as an ornamental flower.
Legislated Because
It is a prolific seed producer that can quickly form dense stands in moist, shaded grassland areas and along woodland edges.
Description
This plant grows up to 1 m tall and is often branched near the top. Its flowers are fragrant, 8-15 mm wide, white or pink in colour, and have four petals each.
The alternately arranged leaves are elliptic or lance-shaped, 4-20 cm long and 2-10 cm wide, and have toothed edges. The leaves and stems are covered in hairs. The seed pods of this plant are distinctively long and narrow, 5-10 cm long and 2-2.5 mm wide.
This is a biennial plant. In the first year of growth, it produces a rosette - a circle of leaves straight from the ground. In the second year, it grows a flowering stalk.
Can Be Confused With ...
Garden Phlox - Phlox paniculata -phlox has 5 petals and opposite leaves, but Dame’s rocket has 4 petals & alternate leaves. Garden phlox is an ornamental garden plant and fine for you to grow!
Learn more about this species:
See Fact Sheet - Alberta Invasive Species Council