Polemonium caeruleum
Jacob's-ladder is the only native member of the Phlox family to occur in Europe. It is very rare in its natural, wild state in Britain and only grows in about 10 sites, almost all of which are in the Peak District.
As can be seen from these photos, however, it is pretty common in the upper reaches of Lathkill Dale. This is the largest colony in Britain thanks to careful management by the National Trust. Most of the plants found in the limestone grasslands of the Peak District benefit from early summer grazing. But not Jacob's-ladder, which is a very tasty treat for sheep at this time of year. Allowing sheep to graze here in early summer would destroy the colony. Consequently, the gates to the parts of the valley where the Jacob's ladder grow are kept closed until later in the year and the sheep not allowed in until next year's seeds have been produced.
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