Jacob's ladder is native to northern and central Europe and northern Asia. It is now
naturalized in North America. The name "Jacob's ladder" refers to the ladder-like spacing of
its odd pinnate leaves.
Identification: Plants are up to 1½′ (50 cm) high. The
stem is branched. Leaves are odd pinnate—composed of groups of opposite leaves as well as a
leaf on the end of the cluster. The clusters contain 7-11 leaflets. Leaflets are roughly oval-shaped, with smooth edges, about
1½″ (3.8 cm) long and ½″ (1.3 cm) wide. Large showy clusters of blue flowers appear on top.
Flowers are blue, about 1″ (2.5 cm) in diameter, with five rounded petals.