CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD PARK OPERATIONS
NOXIOUS WEED IDENTIFICATION
DAME'S ROCKET, Hesperis matronalis
Characteristics:
Family: Mustard
Origin: Europe
Description:
- Perennial or biennial
- Height: 1 1/2 - 4 feet
Flowers:
- Pink, lavender or sometimes white
- Bloom occurs April-July
- Form showy clusters
Leaves:
- Lower leaves range from 3-8 inches becoming progressively smaller towards the flower
- Lance shaped
Stem:
- Usually single stemmed
- Erect in structure
- Hairy
Seeds:
- Reproduces by seed
- 2mm wide
Discussion:
It is illegal to purchase this plant or its seeds in the State of Colorado. Wildflower seed mixes often contain Dame's Rocket seeds so read list of contents prior to planting. This ornamental flower has created problems once it escapes into native areas, especially riparian zones. It is invasive, displaces native plants and is unpalatable to wildlife. Once established, it quickly dominates the plant community in which it thrives.