BACKGROUND: Native to Europe and central Asia. Damesrocket is sold in wildflower seed mixes and is desired for its sweet scent, as a cut flower, for its essential oil, and its attraction to butterflies. Leaves, seeds, and oil are also edible. However, it is highly aggressive and known for invading native landscapes.

DESCRIPTION: A biennial or simple herbaceous perennial. In its second season, the rosette produces 1-4 foot high flowering stalks. Stems and leaves are finely hairy, and leaves are lance-shaped with serrated edges. The four-petaled flowers develop separately on short, equal stalks along the stem. In spring, flowers bloom pink, white or violet, and long, narrow seedpods develop under the flowers. 

CONTROL: Do not buy wildflower seed mixes that include damesrocket. Mow plants before flowering to prevent seed production. With flowering plants, pull before seeds mature and remove. Herbicides can be effective.