Rocky Mountain Jacob's-Ladder

Polemonium confertum

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Genus:
Polemonium
Species:
Polemonium confertum
USDA Symbol:
POCO26

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple, violet

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to alpine and subalpine regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Cold stratification improves germination rates. Seeds may germinate erratically.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI