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(Polemonium foliosissimum)
Towering Jacob’s-Ladder (Polemonium foliosissimum)
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Craig Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Craig Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Craig Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Craig Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-07-12T10:52:25-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Polemonium foliosissimum, commonly known as the towering Jacob’s-ladder, is a perennial herb that can be evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to the mountainous regions and alpine meadows of the western United States, where it thrives in cool, moist environments. This species typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and is noted for its ladder-like leaf arrangement and clusters of blue, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The towering Jacob’s-ladder is valued for its vertical accent in garden borders and its ability to adapt to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade. It prefers consistently moist soils with good drainage and can be used to add color and height to perennial beds or woodland gardens. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. This plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities for garden use. However, it can be susceptible to slug and snail damage, so protective measures may be necessary.CC BY-SA 4.0
The towering Jacob’s-ladder is valued for its vertical accent in garden borders and its ability to adapt to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade. It prefers consistently moist soils with good drainage and can be used to add color and height to perennial beds or woodland gardens. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. This plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities for garden use. However, it can be susceptible to slug and snail damage, so protective measures may be necessary.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-2.5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Mountainous regions and alpine meadows
Other Names
Common Names: Leafy Jacob’s-Ladder, Leafy Polemonium
Scientific Names: , Polemonium foliosissimum, Polemonium mexicanum, Polemonium grande, Polemonium robustum, Polemonium foliosissimum subsp. robustum, Polemonium filicinum var. archibaldiae, Polemonium archibaldiae, Polemonium foliosissimum subsp. archibaldiae, Polemonium foliosissimum subsp. verum
GBIF Accepted Name: Polemonium foliosissimum A.Gray