White Snakeroot

Ageratina altissima  (formerly Eupatorium rugosum)

A native perennial, Snakeroot plants produce in late summer flattened loose panicles of white flowers; the panicle can range from 1 inch to 4 inches across, and each individual flower is about 1/4-3/8 inch across.  Leaves, on substantial petioles, are opposite and can be up to 4 or 5 inches in length near the base of the plant, diminishing in size as they ascent; they are oval-pointed, with serrated edges and marked veining, and usually about one third wide as long. Stems may be green or red.

A very common plant, Snakeroot is not unattractive when in bloom. It is, however, poisonous, and was the cause of widespread "milk sickness" that killed many settlers in the Midwest in the nineteenth century because cows ate the plant and passed the toxins on in their milk.

1-3 feet, partial sun-shade.

Summer-Autumn (July-October).

3 August 2020.

White Snakeroot, 30 July 2020.