Dame's violet - Hesperis matronalis

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Dame's violet - Hesperis matronalis
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Dame's violet, otherwise known as sweet rocket, is a hairy biennial or short-lived perennial which is well naturalised in moist places, usually with a degree of shade. White and orange-tip butterflies are drawn to the massed white or lilac flowers, which give off a strong scent in the evening, and so also attract moths. It has lance-shaped, toothed, dark green leaves. It is a good plant for woodland edge planting.

In the popular 'language of flowers' sweet rocket was taken to portray deceit, because, whilst it gave out a lovely perfume in the evening, during the day-time there was none. This fact is also reflected in the ancient name of Hesperis, or Vesper flower, vespers being the evening church service.

Dame's violet was introduced to Britain long ago, probably from southern Europe. It is now also found in North America.

Animals

Green-veined white, Moths, Orange-tip

Foliage	Green
Flower	Pink, May to July
Moisture	(Average)
Sunlight	(Part-shade)
Origin	Non-native