Polemonium reptans (Jacob's Ladder)

Polemonium reptans, commonly known as Jacob's Ladder, is an attractive native, perennial wildflower which appears in early spring, growing in 12-18" tall clumps in moist woodland environments. Noted for both its foliage and its flowers, Jacob's Ladder produces  compound, pinnate leaves in the early spring, which slowly stretch upward, resembling a ladder. From April to Jun, the plant produces five-petaled bell-shaped flowers at the growth tip ranging from powder blue to dark violet; flowers are followed by small, tan seed capsules in the summer months.

Although small in stature, Jacob's Ladder provides attractive foliage and excellent showy blooms for a variety of landscapes, and grows well in shaded areas with rich soil, making it perfect for raised flower beds overshadowed by trees or structures, woodland pollinator gardens, or naturalized groundcover in any forested area.