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Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
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Polemonium reptans (Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian)

Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian leaves in March
Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian leaves and reddish stems in March
Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian flowers in March
Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian flowers in April
Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian - Flower detail
Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian fruit capsules in May
Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian in residential landscape in June

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In the Mid-Atlantic Region, this attractive wildflower is most common in Pennsylvania. In Virginia its occurrence is spotty, although it is native to Fairfax County. At home in moist woods and along stream banks, this Phlox family member features leaflets arranged like rungs on a ladder (the ladder dreamt of by Jacob in the Bible story), thus the common name. Ground Cover Foliage, Flowers (Blue and Lavender Varieties) Height: 1⁄2–11⁄2 feet Spread: 1–11⁄2 feet Bloom Color: Blue, lavender Characteristics Mound-forming, herbaceous perennial Delicate fern-like foliage with alternate, pinnately compound leaves; petioles absent on upper leaves Showy, bell-shaped flowers bloom in loose flower clusters on separate slender stalks April to May Fruit is a three-celled capsule Light green to red-green stems tend to bow over and ramble along the ground Spreads by self-seeding in optimal conditions Attributes Intolerant of drought; no serious pests or diseases; deer seldom severely damage Slow-spreading, light-textured ground cover Therapeutic uses Attracts bees, flies, butterflies, and moths Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Humus-rich soil Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Water Requirements: Moist Becomes dormant in drought situations Divide clumps in early spring or late summer Use in rock or woodland gardens Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8 Excellent Replacement for Hedera helix - English Ivy Vinca minor - Periwinkle developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills (top), private garden, Arlington, VA and by Mary Free, Quarry Shade Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Polemonium reptans (Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian)

In the Mid-Atlantic Region, this attractive wildflower is most common in Pennsylvania. In Virginia its occurrence is spotty, although it is native to Fairfax County. At home in moist woods and along stream banks, this Phlox family member features leaflets arranged like rungs on a ladder (the ladder dreamt of by Jacob in the Bible story), thus the common name.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets