Greek Valerian
Polemonium reptans
Also known as: Long's Jacob's-Ladder
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
BeckyLaboy
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polemoniaceae
- Genus:
- Polemonium
- Species:
- Polemonium reptans
- USDA Symbol:
- PORE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, lavender
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Coleophora polemoniella, meadow rue borer (Papaipema unimoda), Scrobipalpula polemoniella
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; sow on surface and do not cover deeply.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are warm stratified
Establishment: P. reptans is found within temperate deciduous forests of North America. No germination percentage or time range provided in the protocol.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.