It’s spring ephemeral time at the SBG! and Jacob’s Ladder is currently blooming in the Woodland Garden. This member of the phlox family (Polemoniaceae) has delicate compound leaves that resemble the rungs of a ladder, hence the common name. The stamens of the bell-shaped flowers mature before the pistil, making pollination largely reliant on the generalist bees, butterflies, moths and beetles that visit the plant for nectar.
Like other woodland ephemerals, Jacob’s Ladder prefers a moderately shady site with loose, rich soil. But unlike other early spring bloomers, the lovely foliage remains green through most of the summer, making it a good choice for groundcover in a shady spot.
Photo: © Heather Holm
