Jacob’s Ladder© Denzil Green
Jacob’s Ladder is a perennial herb that grows up to 5 inches (12 1/2 cm) tall.
The flat leaves grow on their stems in ladder-like formation.
One variety, Polemonium reptans, “False Jacob’s Ladder”, found in eastern North America, blossoms in spring with blue flowers, then dies back.
Jacob’s Ladder
© Denzil Green
Another variety, Polemonium caeruleum, grows up to a yard (metre) tall, blossoms in early summer with blue or white flowers, and stays around till autumn. This variety is native to Europe.
The flowers of “False Jacob’s Ladder” can be used as a salad garnish. Both varieties were used in herbal folk medicines.
Cats love both kinds.