Hesperis matronalis
Dame's rocket
(c) Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Hesperis matronalis (Dame's rocket) is a non-native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by European introduction naturalized in scattered northern California locations, representing the only species of this Eurasian genus….
Dame's rocket is a naturalized perennial found in the Trinity County Klamath Ranges and northern Sierra Nevada foothills in Plumas County, growing along roadsides, slopes, and woodland areas at elevations of 700 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces delicate purple, rose, or white flowers with petals 1.5 to 2 centimeters long and up to 9 millimeters wide. Growing with stems 4 to 8 decimeters tall, covered in both simple and forked hairs, it develops a robust branching structure. Its leaves range from 4 to 15 centimeters long, varying from oblong to lanceolate or obovate, with entire or finely toothed edges. The plant produces elongated fruit pods 6 to 10 centimeters long, which are nearly cylindrical and slightly constricted between seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: European introduction naturalized in scattered northern California locations, representing the only species of this Eurasian genus established in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Roadsides, slopes, woodland
Elevation: 700-2200 m
Outside California: Canada, United States, native to Europe
Bloom period
Hesperis matronalis blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Iberis: Hesperis has symmetrical 4-petaled flowers; Iberis flowers are distinctly asymmetrical with outer petals much larger.; vs Lunaria: Hesperis pods are narrow and beaded; Lunaria pods are large, flat, round, and silvery like coins.; vs Erysimum: Hesperis pods are beaded/constricted between seeds; Erysimum pods are smooth cylinders without constrictions.; vs Raphanus: Hesperis pods are smooth and beaded; Raphanus pods are thick, spongy, and break into segments.; vs Matthiola: Hesperis seeds lack wings; Matthiola seeds have papery wings visible in mature pods.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hesperis matronalis native to California?
No. Hesperis matronalis is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Hesperis matronalis bloom?
Hesperis matronalis blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Hesperis matronalis belong to?
Hesperis matronalis is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Hesperis.
What habitat does Hesperis matronalis grow in?
Hesperis matronalis grows in Roadsides, slopes, woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.