Leafy jacob’s-ladder (Polemonium foliosissimum, Syn. fl. N. Amer. 2(1):151. 1878)

Family: Polemoniaceae

Author: A.Gray

Bibliography: Syn. fl. N. Amer. 2(1):151. 1878

Year: 1878

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polemonium

Vegetable: False

Observations: WC. U.S.A.

Description

Leafy Jacob’s-ladder, scientifically known as Polemonium foliosissimum, is a distinguished member of the Polemoniaceae family, widely recognized for its elegant foliage and beautiful flowers. This perennial plant is native to the western regions of the United States, thriving in various habitats from woodlands to mountainous areas.

Renowned botanist Asa Gray was the first to formally describe this species in 1878, as noted in the second volume of his “Synoptical Flora of North America.” The common name “Leafy Jacob’s-ladder” captures the plant’s most striking feature: its lush, ladder-like arrangement of pinnate leaves, which give it a delicate and ornate appearance.

Leafy Jacob’s-ladder typically blooms in the late spring to early summer, showcasing clusters of bell-shaped flowers that range in color from a deep, enchanting blue to a soft, ethereal lavender. These flowers not only add a splash of color to the landscape but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, playing a vital role in the local ecosystem.

Growing up to one meter in height, Polemonium foliosissimum adapts well to garden settings, especially in regions that mirror its native environment. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners aiming to introduce a touch of wild American flora to their plots.

In summary, Leafy Jacob’s-ladder (Polemonium foliosissimum) stands out for its ornamental value and ecological benefits. Its botanical heritage, as documented by Asa Gray, marks it as a significant species within the Polemoniaceae family, celebrated for its beauty and resilience in the face of diverse growing conditions.

Common Names

Eng: leafy jacob’s-ladder, leafy polemonium, towering jacob’s-ladder
Swe: praktblågull
En: Leafy Jacob’s-ladder, Towering Jacob’s-ladder, Leafy polemonium
Sv: Praktblågull
: Towering jacob’s-ladder

Synonyms

• Polemonium foliosissimum subsp. verum (Wherry)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken May 14, 2022 by Matthew (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Yang Chen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by BOBKA2 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Shelly Morrow (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2019 by Georgios Tsitinis (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 16, 2014 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)

Taken Jul 21, 2019 by Georgios Tsitinis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2019 by jddent (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 14, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 16, 2014 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 11, 2015 by EOL − Lee Elliott (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2015 by EOL − Lee Elliott (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:689943-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927865)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polemonium foliosissimum A. Gray)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 6.5