GROUND COVER: Polemonium reptans ([Spreading] Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

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 Jacob dreamt about in the Bible story), thus the common name.

Learn more about Polemonium reptans.

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 in April

Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder, Greek Valerian - Flower detail

Polemonium reptans (Spreading 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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