Damesrocket

BACKGROUND: Native to Europe and central Asia. Damesrocket is sold in wildflower seed mixes and is desired for its sweet scent, as a cut flower, for its essential oil, and its attraction to butterflies. Leaves, seeds, and oil are also edible. However, it is highly aggressive and known for invading native landscapes.

OTHER COMMON NAMES:

DESCRIPTION: A biennial or simple herbaceous perennial. In its second season, the rosette produces 1-4 foot high flowering stalks. Stems and leaves are finely hairy, and leaves are lance-shaped with serrated edges. The four-petaled flowers develop separately on short, equal stalks along the stem. In spring, flowers bloom pink, white or violet, and long, narrow seedpods develop under the flowers.

CONTROL: Do not buy wildflower seed mixes that include damesrocket. Mow plants before flowering to prevent seed production. With flowering plants, pull before seeds mature and remove. Herbicides can be effective.