Jacob's ladder gets its common name from small leaflets are arranged in a ladder-like manner along long, graceful leaves. Blue-violet flowers decorate the mounding form April to May, offering a reliable source of nectar and pollen for early pollinators. Its native habitat includes deciduous woods and stream banks, so it's best sited in moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in part sun but will also do well in full sun as long as it doesn't go completely dry. 
 
Great for containers, shady gardens, woodlands, slopes, and naturalized areas.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 1 - 3' tall and 1 1/2 - 3' wide.
 
Prefers dappled shade but tolerates full sun in northern range. Also grows in full shade. 
 
Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Goes dormant during drought. Tolerates occasional brief periods of flooding.
 
The upper leaves have 3-5 leaflets that are about 1 1/2" long. Underside of leaf is lighter in color with fine hairs.
 
Wildlife Value:
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
 
Resources:
Morton Arboretum: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/jacobs-ladder/