Dame's-rocket, Hesperis matronalis
Weed Control Options 
Life Cycle
Perennial.Propagation
Reproducing only by seed.Stems
Stems - erect, 45-140cm high, often branched above.Leaves
Lanceolate (Fig 7), up to 15cm long, pubescent, shallowly dentate, short-stalked (Fig 1:a) or stalkless (Fig 1:b), with acuminate tips.Flowers and Fruit
Flowers (Fig 5) in elongated racemes (Fig 6, Fig 1:c), very showy and fragrant; each flower (d) 1.4-2.5cm across; the 4 petals purple, or varying to shades of pink or white; seedpods (Fig 1:e)(siliques) 2.5-14cm long, somewhat constricted between the seeds. Flowers from May to August.Habitat
Dame's-rocket is an old-fashioned ornamental that was introduced from Europe and escaped from cultivation. It is common in damp soil along roadsides, rivers, fencerows and ditches and in waste areas, forests and abandoned orchards in southern Ontario (Fig 2, 3).Distinguishing Features
It is distinguished by its tall stems, its showy purple to pink or white petals, pubescent, sharply toothed leaves and its habit of growing in scattered or thick stands in non-cultivated areas.Often Mistaken For
Phlox species.Media Items
Figure 1: Dame's-rocket A. Lower part of flowering plant. B. Upper part of flowering plant. Top
Figure 2: Dame's-rocket along road side in Central Ontario in June. Top
Figure 3: Dame's-rocket growing on field side, late June in Central Ontario. Top
Figure 4: Flowers in elongated racemes. Top
Figure 5: Purple flowers of Dame's-rocket. Top
Figure 6: Seedpods of Dame's-rocket. Top
Figure 7: Sharply toothed leaves of Dame's-rocket. Top
Figure 8: Erect stem of Dame's-rocket. Top
Figure 9: Root of Dame's-rocket. Top