Long’s Jacob’s-ladder: A Rare Pennsylvania Native Worth Protecting
If you’ve never heard of Long’s Jacob’s-ladder (Polemonium longii), you’re definitely not alone. This perennial wildflower is one of Pennsylvania’s most elusive native plants, and there’s a very good reason why it’s not showing up in your local garden center.
What Makes This Plant So Special?
Long’s Jacob’s-ladder belongs to the phlox family and grows as what botanists call a forb – basically a fancy term for a non-woody flowering plant. Like other members of the Jacob’s-ladder family, it’s a perennial that comes back year after year, but unlike its more common cousins, this one has chosen to be incredibly picky about where it calls home.
Where Does It Grow?
Here’s where things get really interesting (and a bit concerning): Polemonium longii is found only in Pennsylvania. That’s it. Just one state in the entire country can claim this plant as a resident. This extremely limited geographic distribution is a major red flag when it comes to the plant’s conservation status.
Should You Try to Grow It?
Hold your horses there, eager gardener! While we’d love to give you growing tips for this Pennsylvania native, the reality is that Long’s Jacob’s-ladder appears to be extraordinarily rare. Its conservation status is currently listed as undefined, which often means scientists are still trying to figure out just how endangered it might be.
If you’re absolutely determined to include a Jacob’s-ladder in your garden, we’d strongly recommend looking into more common native alternatives like:
- Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata)
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)
- Other Polemonium species that are more widely distributed
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its wetland status as Facultative Upland in the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont region, Long’s Jacob’s-ladder typically prefers non-wetland conditions but can occasionally tolerate some moisture. However, specific growing requirements, hardiness zones, and care instructions for this particular species remain largely undocumented – another sign of just how rare it is.
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
Sometimes the most responsible thing a gardener can do is admire a plant from afar. Long’s Jacob’s-ladder appears to be one of those plants that’s better left in its natural habitat (whatever little remains of it) rather than being cultivated in home gardens.
If you’re passionate about supporting Pennsylvania’s native flora, consider focusing your efforts on other native plants that are more stable and can benefit from increased cultivation. You’ll be doing the environment a favor while still creating a beautiful, ecologically valuable garden space.
And who knows? Maybe someday, with better understanding and conservation efforts, Long’s Jacob’s-ladder might make a comeback. Until then, let’s give this mysterious Pennsylvania native the space and respect it deserves.
