Dame's Rocket
Hesperis matronalis
A biennial or short-lived perennial, dame's rocket is a close family relative of garlic mustard. Therefore, the appearance and growth between the two is quite similar. Eventually reaching a height of 2-3 feet, first year plants overwinter as an evergreen rosette. 

Simple and alternate leaves grow along a straight stem which culminates in four-petaled blooms. The flowers show in late May through mid-July. Bloom colors can range from pink and purple to white. Keep in mind dame's rocket has a native look-a-like. Native phlox looks very similar but blooms have five petals, rather than four. 

Introduced for ornamental purposes from Europe, dame's rocket can be quite aggressive in areas that receive more sunlight. It also prefers slightly moist and well-drained soils. 
Photo credits: Mark Frey, The Presidio Trust , Bugwood.org | Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org | Tom Heutte, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Learn More About Dame's Rocket:
Dame's Rocket Facts
  • A common addition to wildflower seed packets. 
  • Each plant is capable of producing thousands of seeds which aids in its ability to rapidly spread. ​
Management Options
  • Hand pulling can produce successful results!
    • Plants must be pulled before they go to seed or efforts will simply result in additional spread. 
    • Try to remove the entire root system or it will likely resprout. 
    • Efforts should continue for multiple years as seeds will persist in the seed bank.