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Jacob's ladder

How to identify Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans)

Jacob's ladder, also known as Greek valerian, American abscess root, False jacob's ladder, Stairway to heaven

Jacob's ladder possesses a distinct appearance, characterized by pinnately compound leaves with numerous leaflets that give the impression of a ladder structure. The plant's foliage gracefully unfolds in the shade to part-shade environments. It thrives in cooler climates and is sensitive to high heat and humidity. Forming luscious clumps, jacob's ladder can reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and will naturally propagate both by seed and rhizomatous growth beneath the soil surface, adding to its charm as a perennial favorite in temperate gardens.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Jacob's ladder

1

Pinnately compound leaves resembling a ladder structure with 7-17 oblong leaflets.

2

Delicate blue to violet flowers in loose clusters, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter.

3

Light green stems with a subtle red tint, thin and sprawling, around 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) in diameter.

4

Prefers cooler climates, sensitive to high heat and humidity, thriving in shade to part-shade environments.

5

Clump-forming plant reaching up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall, propagating by seed and rhizomatous growth.

Jacob's ladderJacob's ladderJacob's ladderJacob's ladderJacob's ladder

Detailed Traits of Jacob's ladder

Leaf Features

The leaves of jacob's ladder are pinnate, resembling a ladder with 7 to 17 oblong leaflets arranged along the stem. Each leaflet measures approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. The upper leaves typically have 3 to 5 leaflets. The undersides of the leaflets are lighter in color and possess fine hairs. This delicate structure and unique arrangement are distinctive to this species.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acute

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of jacob's ladder are characterized by their delicate blue to violet hue, blooming in loose terminal clusters. Each flower is small, approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, with five petals that form a bell-shaped corolla. The light green calyx provides a subtle contrast to the vibrant petals. These flowers typically bloom from April to June, emitting a mild fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators.

Jacob's ladder Flower image
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Stem Features

The stems of jacob's ladder are light green with a subtle red tint, characterized by their slender, sprawling, and weak structure. These stems are generally thin, measuring around 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) in diameter. They exhibit a smooth texture and tend to form a creeping or rambling growth habit with branching occurring irregularly along their length. The stems are often weak and may require support to maintain upright growth in denser plant settings.

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Key Facts About Jacob's ladder

Attributes of Jacob's ladder
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
30 cm to 45 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Jacob's ladder

Family
Phlox
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Species
Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans)
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Distribution Map of Jacob's ladder

Jacob's ladder is a plant with a native range primarily in eastern regions of North America. It has since been introduced and naturalized in parts of Europe. The species is also cultivated in various locations for its ornamental value.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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