DAME’S ROCKET invasive

fact sheet

Dame’s RocketDame’s RocketDame’s RocketDame’s Rocket invades Vermont’s disturbed areas

and forest edges. The plants are easy to see in the early easy to see in the early easy to see in the early easy to see in the early summer summer summer summer when their fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers

bloom.

The ProblemThe ProblemThe ProblemThe Problem ♦ Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) thrives in

moist soils, light shade and disturbed areas such as roadsides, ditches, waste sites, and moist meadows.

♦ Commonly found in “wildflower” seed mixes. ♦ Often confused with the native Garden phlox.

Roughly the same colors. An obvious difference is that Dame's rocket has 4 petals while Phlox boasts 5.

♦ Many states officially consider it an invasive plant, it is currently on the “watch list” in Vermont.

♦ 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.

alternate, serrated leaves

Dame’s rocket

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4-peteled flower

1st year-basal rosette

The Nature Conservancy, Montpelier, Vermont 802-229-4425 x120 www.vtinvasives.org

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Non-invasive Alternatives

Northern bay-berry

DAME’S ROCKET

wild blue phlox

The Nature Conservancy, Montpelier, Vermont 802-229-4425 x120 www.vtinvasives.org

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fall phlox Phlox paniculata

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Fireweed Chamerion angustifolium

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Mechanical removal:Mechanical removal:Mechanical removal:Mechanical removal: Hand pull: Hand pull: Hand pull: Hand pull: Any time of year when the ground is soft, especially after a rain, hand pull small plants by the base of the stem. Be sure to pull up the entire taproot as sections left in the ground may Re-sprout. Hang from a branch to prevent re-rooting. If plants

are pulled while in bloom bag for garbage or burn since seeds can

still ripen and spread. Pulling may need to be done for several years

to remove new plants established from the seed bank

Cutting: Cutting: Cutting: Cutting: Flower heads of Dame’s rocket can be cut just after

bloom to prevent seed set. Since Dame’s rocket continuously flow-

ers, blooms may need revisiting again in the same growing season.

Chemical removalChemical removalChemical removalChemical removal:::: Low volume foliar spray:Low volume foliar spray:Low volume foliar spray:Low volume foliar spray: This method is used for dense popula-

tions and best left to a contractor. Glyphosate containing herbi-

cides can be applied in late fall when native plants are dormant, but

the Dame’s rocket basal rosettes of leaves are still green and vul-

nerable to sprays. Herbicides may be likewise applied in early

spring when native plants are still dormant but Dame’s rocket has

begun to leaf out.

Safe Chemical ApplicationSafe Chemical ApplicationSafe Chemical ApplicationSafe Chemical Application √ Develop an Integrated Plant Management approach. Develop an Integrated Plant Management approach. Develop an Integrated Plant Management approach. Develop an Integrated Plant Management approach.

Use chemical control as only ONE piece of your prevention and management strategy.

√ The label found on the herbicide container is the law. The label found on the herbicide container is the law. The label found on the herbicide container is the law. The label found on the herbicide container is the law. It indicates the concentrations to use, what protective clothing to wear, how to apply the product, and what environmental and human health hazards are associated with the chemical.

√ Use aquatic formulations within 10 feet of waterUse aquatic formulations within 10 feet of waterUse aquatic formulations within 10 feet of waterUse aquatic formulations within 10 feet of water. You need a permit to apply herbicides in wetlands. You cannot apply herbicides within 100 feet of a wellhead. Contact VT DEC at 802-241-3761 for more information.

√ You need to be certified to apply herbicides on land that You need to be certified to apply herbicides on land that You need to be certified to apply herbicides on land that You need to be certified to apply herbicides on land that you do not own. you do not own. you do not own. you do not own.

√ Hire a contractor to manage large infestations. Hire a contractor to manage large infestations. Hire a contractor to manage large infestations. Hire a contractor to manage large infestations. A good contractor will have the knowledge to help create an effective management plan. For a list of certi-fied contractors, contact the VT Department of Agriculture at 802-828-3482.