How to Grow Dame’s Rocket in Your Garden

How to Grow and Care for Dame’s Rocket Hesperis matronalis

Dame’s rocket, Hesperis matronalis, is a fragrant, edible member of the Brassicaceae family of plants, which includes arugula, broccoli, and mustard.

Native to Europe and Asia, it was originally brought to the United States as an ornamental plant.

As with many introduced varieties, its seed spread beyond garden borders and naturalized in surrounding woodlands and meadows.

Unfortunately, it is an aggressive grower that competes with native plants, threatening natural ecosystems with its spread.

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Classified as invasive in many regions, H. matronalis is especially vigorous in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the US.

Cultivation is against the law in some states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.

If you are gardening in the US, please consult your local agricultural extension before planting, or you might find you’re breaking the law.

Many plants can become invasive under ideal growing conditions. Be aware that if you allow seeds to disperse from this plant, it will spread readily under ideal growing conditions.

In this article, you will learn how to grow dame’s rocket, a wildflower that knows no bounds.

Why? Because you may want to grow it for its pretty flowers and edible leaves.

Or, you may need to identify and eradicate it without mixing it up with other flowers that look similar.

And interestingly, this outlaw wildflower is enjoyed by domestic goats, so if you’ve got a herd to feed, or even one hungry horned buddy, you’re definitely going to want to read on.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

What Is Dame’s Rocket?

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