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The name gives it away. The word "dame" was used to refer to women long years ago in Europe. It is said that the sweet smell of the flowers caused women to really LOVE this plant and the "s" at the end of the word "dame's" shows a close "connection" like ownership.This flower was brought to America by the earliest settlers. It rapidly escaped from the cultivated gardens.The "rocket" part of the name refers to the speed with which the young leaves burst forth and grow very fast in the spring.It's Latin name is HESPERIS MATRONALIS. Matronalis refers to "matron"which means ,"a married woman usually marked by dignified maturity". Hesperis is refering to a mythological diety named "NIGHT" .It is the name of the Evening Star. Late in the evening as the European ladies would walk for pleasure through their formal gardens it was very easy for them to smell the sweetness of this particular flower,,,,and it was very pretty. The leaves and flowers are EDIBLE ,but very bitter to the taste.

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17y ago

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