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The dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis) belongs to Brassicaceae (the Mustard family). It is a short-lived perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America in the 1600's and it is distributed now in southern Canada and the northen United States. This herb grows in moist woodlands, open areas or roadsides, and can reach 60-120 cm in height. The leaves are oblong to lanceolate, sharply toothed, and arranged alternately. The foliage and stems have short hairs. The corymbs-like racemes are borne on flowering stalks, and the fragrant white, pink or purple flowers bloom from May to August. The flower has four petals. Dame's rocket is planted as an ornamental, but is an escape quickly to wild.
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