Hesperis matronalis Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Dame's Rocket

Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Brassicales
Family:	Brassicaceae
Genus:	Hesperis
Species:	H. matronalis
Binomial name
*Hesperis matronalis* L.

Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a pretty wild flower. It is a species of plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This family also includes common plants like cabbage and mustard. Dame's Rocket originally comes from Europe and Asia. However, it has been brought to North America and now grows there widely.

You can often see its lovely purple, pink, or white flowers blooming from May to June. It likes to grow in many different habitats. These include places like roadsides and open woods. Dame's Rocket usually grows to be about 51 to 102 centimeters (20 to 40 inches) tall.

What is Dame's Rocket?
Where Dame's Rocket Grows
How to Spot Dame's Rocket
- Flower Details
- Leaves and Stems
Life Cycle of Dame's Rocket
Images for kids
See also

What is Dame's Rocket?

Dame's Rocket is known for its beautiful clusters of flowers. It is sometimes called Sweet Rocket or Mother-of-the-Evening. This plant is a close relative of other well-known garden flowers. It is also related to many important food crops. The plant can grow quite tall. Its flowers have four petals. They often have a sweet smell, especially in the evening.

Where Dame's Rocket Grows

Dame's Rocket is very adaptable. This means it can grow in many different places. It prefers areas with some sunlight but also some shade. You can often find it along the edges of forests. It also grows well in open fields and meadows. Because it was brought to North America, it is now common there. It can sometimes spread quickly in new areas. This is why it is often seen along roadsides and in disturbed ground.

How to Spot Dame's Rocket

Flower Details

The flowers of Dame's Rocket are its most striking feature. They grow in loose clusters at the top of the plant's stems. Each flower has four petals. These petals are arranged in a cross shape. The colors can range from bright purple to light pink or pure white. The flowers are usually about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) across. They have a pleasant, sweet scent. This smell is often stronger in the evening.

Leaves and Stems

The leaves of Dame's Rocket are long and narrow. They have small teeth along their edges. The leaves grow directly from the stem. They are usually green. The stems are upright and can be quite tall. They are often covered with fine hairs. These hairs can make the stem feel a bit rough to the touch.

Life Cycle of Dame's Rocket

Dame's Rocket is usually a biennial or a short-lived perennial. This means it lives for two years or a few years.

In its first year, the plant grows a cluster of leaves close to the ground. This is called a basal rosette. It stores energy during this time.
In its second year, the plant sends up a tall flower stalk. This stalk produces many beautiful flowers.
After flowering, the plant produces long, thin seed pods. These pods contain many small seeds.
Once the seeds are ripe, they fall to the ground. They can then grow into new Dame's Rocket plants. This completes the life cycle.