Janet Allen, President of the Wild Ones Habitat Gardening in Central New York Chapter sent some additional information to consider regarding Eurasian Dame’s Rocket:
I know butterflies use Dame’s Rocket, but looking at the bigger picture most information indicates it’s a problem. Here are a few resources:
- USDA Forest Service “It competes with native herbaceous plants at the edges of woodlands, in woodland openings, and in semi-open forests. This competition for light, moisture, and nutrients may inhibit tree seedling germination and growth.”
- Applied Ecological Services “Remember, as beautiful as Dame’s rocket may appear, it is an invasive species with the potential to damage entire natural ecosystems. Take action now to defend your environment. For information about various treatment strategies, please contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources.”
- Northwest Michigan – Midwest Invasive Species Information Network “Like most invasive plants on the Top 20 list for northwest Michigan, dame’s rocket forms monocultures that replace native plants in high quality natural areas, which in turn reduces critical food resources for birds, butterflies, and other wild creatures. Dame’s rocket is a relative of garlic mustard and often grows with garlic mustard. It has similar growth patterns and can take over habitat of native wildflowers and tree seedlings.”
- Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium “…are prolific bloomers and produce large quantities of seed from May into July. Each plant may have several clusters of flowers at various stages of development, enabling the plant to produce both flowers and seeds at the same time.”
Some good native alternatives to Dame’s Rocket include Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Bee Balm aka Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), any of the phlox (Phlox spp) and Harebells (Campanula rotundifolia).
See also Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis).
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