Over the past week a purple flower has gone to bloom and is gracing the countryside, in increasing amounts. This flower is called Dames Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) and is native to Eurasia but has is found in almost every state in the United States. Here is the Driftlesss Area, it enjoys unmanaged pastures, roadsides and ditches close to residential homes.
Unlike many of our invasive plants that were introduced for agricultural purposes or to promote wildlife. This invasive plant has its connections with big box stores and garden centers. A high volume of this seed is included in “Wildflower Mixes” which have risen in popularity in the past 15 years. The questionable “Meadow in a Can” mix, introduced in 1982, helped this vigorous plant naturalize and led many to think that it is an authentic prairie plant. Dames Rocket can be mistaken for our native Phlox which have opposite leaves that are not toothed, and flowers with five petals, not four.
Today, most states list Dame Rocket on their invasive species list and it has been banned to sell in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
They say that “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” This is certainly true with this plant. Its a cute kid who doesn’t play well with the others.
http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/dames_rocket.htm Description and control techniques
http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/weeds/damesrocket/damesrocket.htm Good pictures for identification
