(Hesperis matronalis)
The Dames Rocket Plant, also known as Sweet Rocket or Dame’s Violet is a very pretty weed that grows all over North America, including all the BC coastal region. This plant is often mistaken for Phlox, but Phlox has five petals while Dame’s Rocket has just four.
The flowers, which resemble phlox, are deep lavender, although sometimes pink to white. The plant is part of the mustard family, which also includes radishes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and, mustard.
The plant and flowers are edible but fairly bitter. The flowers are attractive when added to green salads. The young leaves can also be added to your salad greens, just pick the leaves before the plant flowers. The seed can also be sprouted and added to salads.
The Dames Rocket Plant is native to Eurasia but was introduced to North America in the 1600s. Because it is not native to our area and quickly takes over landscapes, it should be considered an invasive alien species. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant, is sold in many garden centers as a perennial, and comes in many wildflower seed mixes.
It grows in moist woodlands, woodland edges, roadsides, open areas, and especially riparian areas.
Thanks Bud for this site. I am glad to see you have edible uses for Dames Rocket, as I had asked UBC years ago, and they did not think there were any uses, even traditional, Maricela which I doubted, as they are so plentiful Would be nice if you included Latin names so one could be positive with identification. I believe for Dames Rocket, it is Hesperis matronalis.