Dame's Violet Hesperis matronalis Play pronunciation

Dame's rocket is a biennial or perennial native to Europe and Central Asia, from Southern France to Czechoslovakia and the Caucasus. This plant is erect, growing 2 to 3 feet tall, with white, lavender, or purple, 4-petaled flowers and dark green leaves. It is often mistaken for a native wildflower in the United States and is included in many 'native' wildflower mixes. It originated in Europe but was brought over by early settlers in the 1600s. It has become highly weedy and is often found in open woodlands, prairies, roadsides, ditches, and other disturbed areas where it crowds out native plants. The genus name Hesperis comes from the Greek word hespera, meaning evening, due to its evening fragrance. The specific epithet matronalis comes from the Latin matrona, as this plant begins blooming in early spring, around March 1st, when the Roman Festival of the Matrons was held. It is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae).

It will grow well in average, well-drained soil in full or partial sun. However, once planted, it may be difficult to get rid of due to heavy over-seeding. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial with foliage only for the first year before blooming in the second year. Easily propagated by seeds. 

In the United States, dame's rocket is widely grown as an ornamental. In the first year, the plant forms only a basal rosette and no flowers are produced. In the second year, the leaves are ovate to lance-shaped with serrate margins. The 4-petaled flowers bloom from April to May, measuring 0.5 inch in diameter and are displayed on terminal racemes. The showy blooms are fragrant, especially in the evening, and make a good cut flower. Often, this plant is confused with phlox; however, phlox has 5-petaled flowers.

This beautiful yet resilient plant cannot be recommended for use in the landscape. It is listed as invasive in the Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, published by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In the Midwestern U.S., it has been declared a noxious weed. In North Carolina, this species is on the watch list per the North Carolina Native Plant Society.

Instead of dame's rocket, consider planting a similar native species such as Phlox carolina (Carolina phlox), Phlox maculata (meadow phlox), or Phlox paniculata (summer phlox). Other natives to consider include: Amsonia tabernaemontana (bluestar), Baptisia alba (false indigo), or Geranium maculatum (wild geranium).

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No known serious insect pests or diseases. Can become weedy and aggressive in the landscape. Difficult to manage once established.

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