- Dame's rocket is a member of the mustard family and is closely related to the invasive garlic mustard. Phlox is a genus of several dozen species of annuals and perennials ranging from low-growing creeping phlox to species that can reach 1.5 meters in height.
- Dame's rocket is a native of Europe and was introduced to North America by gardeners in the colonial era. The plant has since spread over a wide area and is classified as a noxious, invasive species in Colorado, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Most species of phlox, by contrast, are native to North America and are not invasive.
- Both plants produce rounded clusters of small flowers. The flowers of dame's rocket, however, have four petals, while phlox flowers have five petals.
- Both dame's rocket and tall phlox have lance-shaped leaves, but the leaves of dame's rocket have toothed edges, while phlox leaves are smooth-edged. The arrangement of the leaves on the stems differs between the plants, as well. The leaves of phlox grow opposite each other, while dame's rocket leaves alternate from side to side as they grow up the stem.
- Other common names for Hesperis matronalis include sweet rocket, dame's violet and damask violet.