Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Invasive Management Profile
Although beautiful, Dame’s Rocket is invasive. The plant is a short lived perennial, meaning it lives about 2-3 years, but birds love to eat its seeds so it spreads fairly easily.
Identification
For easy identification of Dame’s Rocket, look to the bright pick/purple flowers blooming from May to August. Dame’s Rocket leaves are slightly hairy, oblong, with large teeth (sharp edges). Its stems range from 2-4 feet in length. Seeds can be produced any time of the year and the leaves stay green throughout the winter.
Dame’s Rocket is often confused with Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), because the flowers are similar and bloom at the same time. However, Garden Phlox has flowers with five petals in contrast to the 4 petal structure of Dame’s Rocket. Garden Phlox leaves are also opposite and smooth-edged.
Dame’s Rocket Full Plant
The Nature Conservancy
Dame’s Rocket Leaves
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut
Dame’s Rocket Flower
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut
Dame’s Rocket Flower
The Nature Conservancy
Tools & Supplies Needed
- Shovel and/or spade
- Handsaw and/or lopper
- Protective eyewear, gloves, and clothing
- Paper or plastic bags for disposal
Removal Methods
Dame’s Rocket is one of the easier invasive plants to remove. It is easy to pull, especially in small quantities.
STEP 1 : Identify plant using our identification tips and photos as well as the time of year and growth stage.
STEP 2 : Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and clothing.
STEP 3 : Use your hand to grab the bottom of the plant, twist, and pull.
STEP 4 : When pulling, make sure to remove the taproot, which is the main root system (this may be easily removed with a spade or shovel as well).
STEP 5 : Make sure to place all plant debris into a plastic or paper bag to control seed spread.
The Dame’s Rocket is one of the easier invasive plants to remove. If you have an area with a large infestation of Dames Rocket, try the cutting method.
STEP 1 : Identify plant using our identification tips and photos as well as the time of year and growth stage.
STEP 2 : Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and clothing.
STEP 3 : Use a lopper or hand clippers to cut Dame’s Rocket as close to the ground as possible.
STEP 5 : Make sure to place all plant debris into a plastic or paper bag to control seed spread.
*This method will not eradicate Dame’s Rocket completely. If needed use herbicide to kill the plant. Click here for herbicide use information.
Disposal
For disposal of Dame’s Rocket, package the plant waste in a large plastic or paper bag for landfill. Do not compost Dame’s Rocket, the seeds can spread.
Native Alternative Species
To learn more about natives and how to landscape with them click here.
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)
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Growth Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time & Description: July to September; showy and fragrant pink-purple to white flower
Light exposure: Full sun to part shade
Attracts: Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil, Black Walnut
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 Photo Courtesy of INPS |
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
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Growth Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 1.5 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time & Description: April to May; showy and pink flower
Fruit: Showy
Light exposure: Full sun to part shade
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
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Photo Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation |
