Jacob's Ladder

The botanical name is Polemonium caeruleum. Being commonly known as Greek Valerian, Bluebell or Skunk Weed, the plant belongs to the family Polemoniaceae (phlox). 

It originates from the northeastern America, thieving in bogs and wetlands. Polemonium is taken from the Greek word ‘polemonion’ , that is a name used for a medicinal plant related to the philosopher Polemos of Cappadocia.

However it should be noted that jacob’s lader has no medicinal properties. The genus name was given after two or three famous people. Among them are King Polemon of Pontus and Anthenian philosopher Polemon.

The plant is notable by its pine-like scent of the root. It bears ladder resembling leaves. The blooming time is in the beginning and mid-summer.

Native tribes applied it to do a head and hair wash. Jacob’s ladder was eaten for inducing vomiting and treating skin diseases. European Jacob's ladders were cultivated in gardens for a long time as the plant was mistakenly believed to own an abundance of medicinal properties.

Nowadays Jacob's ladder perfectly serves as container flower; its dried blooms are used potpourris.

Jacob's Ladder

By Σ64 - under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

Polemonium Caeruleum Plant

By Wouter Hagens

Greek Valerian - Jacob's Ladder Flower

By Anonymous Powered - under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2