Jacob’s-ladder

Description:

Also known as Greek valerian. A plant with brilliant blue cup-shaped flowers and delicate ladder-shaped leaves. The plant was first used as a medicinal herb in ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks used the root to treat dysentery, toothaches and animal bites. The plant was also found in a few European pharmacies during the nineteenth century and was used as an antisyphilitic agent and to treat rabies. Today, the plant is not usually used medically.

Habitat:

Limestone hillsides. It is native to temperate regions of Europe.