XHesperis matronalis - Dame's RocketX
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Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
This is a genus with a solo member. The plants originated from Europe and have made themselves...er...overpopular. In Colorado, Connecticut, and Massachusetts they are classed in various stages of noxious weeds. Indeed, the plants are found in almost every state of the U.S. On a stand alone basis the plants are quite beautiful, tall with striking flowers that offer a pretty show from afar. Usually flowering takes place in the 2nd year of the plants life cycle. The flowers look very much like phlox, don't be fooled. The flowers are fragrant becoming more intensely so towards evening time, somewhat like cloves.
USES: Per the website Plants For a Future: Young leaves - raw. Rich in vitamin C, they are used as a cress substitute in salads. A rather bitter flavour, though many people like the extra tang it gives to salads. For culinary purposes, the leaves should be picked before the plant flowers. The seed can be sprouted and added to salads. The seed contains 50% of an edible oil - there is a potential for cultivation. An essential oil from the seed is used in perfumery.
These plants are known by many common names: Dame's Rocket, Damask Violet, Dame's Violet, Dames-wort, Dame's Gilliflower, Night Scented Gilliflower, Queen's Gilliflower, Rogue's Gilliflower, Summer Lilac, Sweet Rocket, Mother-of-the-evening and, Winter Gilliflower.
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Plant location: Seen off the roadside of Hwy 36 North, towards Estes Park, Colorado. The date was May 26, 2009. Plant -
Bloom season: From spring as late as August.Foliage -
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