Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans)
Polemonium reptans, commonly known as Jacob’s Ladder, is a native perennial wildflower found in rich, moist woodlands, floodplain forests, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in light shade to dappled sunlight and well-drained, humus-rich soils, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shady native plantings.
This delicate spring bloomer typically grows 0.5 to 1.5 feet tall and features attractive, pinnately compound leaves with leaflets arranged like the rungs of a ladder—hence the common name. In mid to late spring, it produces loose clusters of bell-shaped, pale blue to violet flowers held above the foliage. The flowers attract a variety of early-season pollinators, including native bees.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Polemonium reptans is a graceful and ecologically valuable addition to shade gardens. It provides early color, supports pollinators, and adds soft texture to woodland plantings. It pairs beautifully with companions like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Geranium, and ferns in layered, naturalistic settings.
Polemonium reptans, commonly known as Jacob’s Ladder, is a native perennial wildflower found in rich, moist woodlands, floodplain forests, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in light shade to dappled sunlight and well-drained, humus-rich soils, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shady native plantings.
This delicate spring bloomer typically grows 0.5 to 1.5 feet tall and features attractive, pinnately compound leaves with leaflets arranged like the rungs of a ladder—hence the common name. In mid to late spring, it produces loose clusters of bell-shaped, pale blue to violet flowers held above the foliage. The flowers attract a variety of early-season pollinators, including native bees.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Polemonium reptans is a graceful and ecologically valuable addition to shade gardens. It provides early color, supports pollinators, and adds soft texture to woodland plantings. It pairs beautifully with companions like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Geranium, and ferns in layered, naturalistic settings.
Polemonium reptans, commonly known as Jacob’s Ladder, is a native perennial wildflower found in rich, moist woodlands, floodplain forests, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in light shade to dappled sunlight and well-drained, humus-rich soils, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shady native plantings.
This delicate spring bloomer typically grows 0.5 to 1.5 feet tall and features attractive, pinnately compound leaves with leaflets arranged like the rungs of a ladder—hence the common name. In mid to late spring, it produces loose clusters of bell-shaped, pale blue to violet flowers held above the foliage. The flowers attract a variety of early-season pollinators, including native bees.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Polemonium reptans is a graceful and ecologically valuable addition to shade gardens. It provides early color, supports pollinators, and adds soft texture to woodland plantings. It pairs beautifully with companions like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Geranium, and ferns in layered, naturalistic settings.
Bloom: late spring
Habitats: areas along woodland paths; bases of bluffs; bottoms of sandstone canyons; deciduous woodlands; lower wooded slopes; shaded banks of streams and rivers
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic
Plant type (height): forb (0.5 to 1.5 feet)
Requirements: light shade to dappled sunlight
Soil: loamy soil with decaying organic matter