How much sun does Leafy Jacob's-ladder need?

Leafy Jacob's-ladder grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Leafy Jacob's-ladder bloom?

Leafy Jacob's-ladder blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Leafy Jacob's-ladder native?

Leafy Jacob's-ladder (Polemonium foliosissimum) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Leafy Jacob's-ladder attract?

Leafy Jacob's-ladder draws bees and butterflies.

Is Leafy Jacob's-ladder HOA-friendly?

Leafy Jacob's-ladder is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Leafy Jacob's-ladder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polemonium foliosissimum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Leafy Jacob's-ladder (Polemonium foliosissimum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, UT

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago

Leafy jacob's-ladder is a native perennial with delicate, ladder-like compound leaves and clusters of small blue to purple flowers. It grows in a compact, well-behaved clump that stays under 2 feet tall and blooms from May through July. This woodland native prefers partial shade and regular water, making it ideal for cooler spots in the garden.

In an HOA neighborhood

Leafy Jacob's-ladder is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late spring and summer blooming period. The dense foliage also provides shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Leafy Jacob's-ladder need?: Leafy Jacob's-ladder grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Leafy Jacob's-ladder bloom?: Leafy Jacob's-ladder blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Leafy Jacob's-ladder native?: Leafy Jacob's-ladder (Polemonium foliosissimum) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Leafy Jacob's-ladder attract?: Leafy Jacob's-ladder draws bees and butterflies.
Is Leafy Jacob's-ladder HOA-friendly?: Leafy Jacob's-ladder is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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