Jacob’s ladder is a lovely spring wildflower with light blue bell-shaped flowers. The leaves are compound with the leaflets having a flattened appearance to look like the rungs of a ladder. It prefers shade but will grow in partial to full sun if it receives adequate moisture. Its short stature and clumping habit make it a great addition to home landscaping. The common name is derived from the biblical tale of Jacob’s dream of a ladder or a stairway to heaven.