Sun: Full,  part shade, or shade
Moisture: Medium-wet to medium dry
Height: 1'
Bloom Time: April-May
Bloom Color: Soft blue
Genotypes: Winona, MN (shares a Level II ecosystem, Mixed Woods Plains, with Southeastern Michigan).
Neat dark green foliage in early spring announces this resilient woodland flower. After covering itself with blue flowers, the plant extends its stems which eventually drape over the ground before releasing seeds (one old name was Spreading Jacob's Ladder). Attracts butterflies, honey- and native bees, and hummingbirds. Other old names include Greek Valerian, Abcess Root, Blue Bells, and the euphonious Sweat Root.