← Back to Plant Finder

Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium reptans

Jacob’s Ladder is an early spring bloomer that thrives in shaded and partly shaded conditions. A good plant for cool, shady corners of the garden.

USDA symbol: PORE2

General Information

Plant TypeForb
Height1 to 2 feet
Light ExposurePart Sun, Shade
Soil MoistureDry
Bloom ColorBlue
Jacob's Ladder (Jacob's Ladder<div><em class="small">Polemonium reptans</em></div>)
Photo credit: Metro Blooms (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceLow
General Resilience6
Salt ToleranceNone

Pollinator Value: Very High

Bloom MonthsMay to June
Larval Host ofBees
Specific Pollinators HostedAndrena polemonii
Pollinator BenefitInsect Pollinated, Provides Nectar, Supports Generalists

Project Planning

Project TypeErosion Control, Restoration, Upland Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism5
Herbivore SensitivityLow
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadMedium
Soil StabilizationShallow
Vegetative ReproductionClonal

Range

CountyDakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Mille Lacs, Mower, Olmsted, Ramsey, Scott, Wabasha, Washington, Winona
EcoregionDriftless Area, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco ProvinceEastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland