Hesperis matronalis

Hesperis matronalis dame's rocket

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is invasive in PA

This pretty garden escapee is sometimes confused with garden phlox, but is easily distinguished by its 4 petals (as opposed to 5 of the phlox).  The number of petals and the upward-pointing seedpods signify that it belongs to the mustard family.  Dame's rocket is usually found along road-sides and at other man-disturbed sites.  The flower color can be white, pink, or purple.

Fields, roadsides, man-disturbed habitats.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers May through June.

Hesperis matronalis dame's rocket

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is invasive in PA
Hesperis matronalis gallery
Common Names
dame's rocket