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Dame's rocket

How to identify Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)

Dame's rocket, also known as Sweet rocket, Wild phlox

Dame's rocket features distinctive tall spikes adorned with small four-petaled flowers, predominantly in violet to pale pink hues, spanning about 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) in diameter. These blooms grow in loose, elongated clusters and deliver a delightful fragrance, particularly in the evening. The lanceolate leaves of dame's rocket are roughly 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) long, presenting a deep green coloration. The robust plant can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), with stout stems that display a bushy growth habit.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Dame's rocket

1

Fragrant flowers with four petals in violet to pale pink, 0.5-0.75 inches (1.3-1.9 cm) wide.

2

Alternate lanceolate leaves, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, dentate margins, rough texture.

3

Elongated clusters of flowers emit clove-like scent, intensifying in the evenings.

4

Cylindrical silique fruit, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, evolving from green to straw-like color.

5

Tall plant, 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) high, with stout stems and bushy growth habit.

Dame's rocketDame's rocketDame's rocketDame's rocketDame's rocket

Detailed Traits of Dame's rocket

Leaf Features

The leaves of dame's rocket are alternate, lanceolate, and pubescent with a rough texture. Measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) across, they feature widely spaced teeth along the margins, giving a dentate appearance. The leaves are green with a pronounced midrib and lateral veins, aiding in their identification.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Dame's rocket Leaf Arrangement image
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Flower Features

The flowers of dame's rocket are notably fragrant, with a clove-like scent that intensifies in the evenings. They display a range of colors from white to purple or pink. Each flower features four petals arranged in a cross shape, measuring around 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in diameter. Blooming in late spring, these flowers are a key identifier for dame's rocket due to their distinct scent and petal arrangement.

Dame's rocket Flower imageDame's rocket Flower image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of dame's rocket is categorized as a silique, which is a long and narrow capsule. Typically measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length, these siliques hang gracefully and split open upon maturity to release a bountiful supply of seeds. The fruit's exterior texture is smooth, with a color that evolves from bright green to a straw-like shade as it ages. Each silique is impeccably designed to disperse numerous tiny seeds, ensuring the propagation of dame's rocket. These distinctive cylindrical pods are a key feature for identifying the species.

Dame's rocket Fruit image
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Key Facts About Dame's rocket

Attributes of Dame's rocket
Lifespan
Perennial, Biennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
40 cm to 1 m
Spread
30 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Violet
Pink
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
White
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Dame's rocket

Genus
Rocket
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Species
Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
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Distribution Map of Dame's rocket

Dame's rocket is native to southern and western Europe and into the Caucasus region. It grows easily along roadsides, ditches, woodlands, and disturbed areas. It is an invasive species in eastern Europe and across most of the US and Canada.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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