Jacob's Ladder is a classic spring beauty whose name comes from its unique, ladder-like foliage—neat rows of small, paired leaflets that climb up the stems like the rungs of a ladder. In mid-to-late spring, this lush greenery is topped with clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers ranging from shades of pink to blue.
This native perennial is highly prized for its "polite" growing habit. It forms a tidy, mounded clump that provides a fine-textured backdrop for larger woodland plants. Whether planted along a shaded walkway or tucked into a rock garden, Jacob’s Ladder offers a cooling, serene presence as the garden transitions from spring to summer.
Sun Exposure Full Sun (if has adequate moisture) Part Shade to Full Shade (preferred)
Water Needs Medium; prefers consistent moisture
Soil Type Loose, rich, moist, well-drained Clay, Loam or Sandy soils
Mature Height 1 foot
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time April – June
Bloom Color Blue
Plant Spacing 6 to 12 inches
Foliage: The "ladder" leaves provide exceptional texture and remain attractive long after the short blooming flowers have faded.
Tolerant & Tough: Unlike some delicate spring wildflowers, Jacob’s Ladder is quite sturdy and can handle a variety of soil conditions as long as it doesn't dry out completely.
Black Walnut Tolerant
Early Pollinator Support: The bell-shaped blooms are a favorite for early-emerging native bees, including mining bees and bumblebees.
This native perennial is highly prized for its loose clusters of five-petaled, rose-pink to lavender-purple flowers that are very attractive to pollinators. Each bloom is etched with delicate fine lines that act as "nectar guides" for visiting pollinators. Unlike its cultivated cousins, the Wild Geranium is perfectly suited for the dappled light of a forest edge or a shaded garden bed, but it will do just as well in the sun!
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Water Needs Medium; prefers consistent moisture but is quite adaptable
Soil Type Rich, moist, well-drained Clay, Loam or Sand
Mature Height 1 to 2 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time April – July
Bloom Color Lavendar
Plant Spacing 10 to 12 inches
Black Walnut Tolerant
Self-Seeding Beauty: One of the most charming features is its seed pods, which resemble a crane’s bill. When ripe, they "spring" open to launch seeds several feet away, allowing the plant to naturalize beautifully without being aggressive.
Textured Foliage: The large, hand-shaped leaves provide an excellent mid-height filler that covers the ground effectively, helping to suppress weeds.
Versatility: While it loves the shade, it can handle more sun if the soil is kept sufficiently moist.
Nectar Source: A vital early-season food source for many native bees, including mining bees, mason bees, and bumblebees.
Butterfly Support: Frequently visited by several species of butterflies and skippers for its accessible nectar.
Host Plant: Serves as a host for the larvae of various moths including the White-Marked Tussock moth.