Sticky Polemonium
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(Polemonium viscosum)
Sticky Polemonium (Polemonium viscosum)
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Parker Hopkins
Public Domain
Image By:
Parker Hopkins
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Parker Hopkins | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Parker Hopkins | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-11T21:21:54Z |
Summary
Polemonium viscosum, commonly known as Sticky Polemonium or Skypilot, is a perennial herb that can be deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on the climate. It is native to alpine regions and subalpine meadows of the Pacific Northwest, and often found in the Rocky Mountains of the United States. This plant typically grows to a height of 10–30 cm and features pinnate leaves that can reach up to 15 cm in length, with numerous small spoon-shaped leaflets. The Sticky Polemonium blooms with clusters of striking purple flowers, each 17–25 mm long, which are particularly showy and fragrant during their flowering season in late spring to early summer.
In cultivation, Sticky Polemonium is valued for its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, which make it a popular choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and borders. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil, preferably with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. While it needs regular watering, especially in dry conditions, it is important to avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot. Sticky Polemonium is relatively low maintenance but may need protection from slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a reliable plant for gardeners. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Sticky Polemonium is valued for its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, which make it a popular choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and borders. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil, preferably with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. While it needs regular watering, especially in dry conditions, it is important to avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot. Sticky Polemonium is relatively low maintenance but may need protection from slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a reliable plant for gardeners. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-1 feet
- Width: 0.3-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to alpine regions and subalpine meadows of the Pacific Northwest, and often found in the Rocky Mountains of the United States
Other Names
Common Names: Sky Pilot, Skunkweed, Skunk Jacob’s-Ladder, Skunk Polemonium, Sticky Jacob’s-Ladder, Polémoine Visqueuse
Scientific Names: Polemonium viscosum, Polemonium viscosum var. viscosum, Polemonium lemmonii, Polemonium viscosum f. leucanthum, Polemonium confertum var. elatius, Polemonium viscosum subsp. lemmonii, Polemonium viscosum f. viscosum, Polemonium viscosum subsp. genuinum
GBIF Accepted Name: Polemonium viscosum Nutt.