Dame’s Rocket, (Hesperis matronalis)

http://diebah.notlong.com/ 30 May 2008 Dame’s Rocket, (Hesperis matronalis)

Dame’s Rocket, Sweet Rocket, or Dame's Violet (Hesperis matronalis) is an attractive plant, and has has a wonderful odour, but is an invasive plant. Dame's rocket is listed as a noxious weed. My plants are not allowed to seed, and it propagates from old growth yearly.

It was introduced to America from Europe in colonial times. It is often confused with taller varieties of phlox, but Dame’s rocket has four petals on each flower, while phlox has five petals. Dame's rocket has, toothed leaves that grow alternately along the stems, while phlox has smooth-edged, opposite leaves.