Ageratina altissima

Common Name
White snakeroot
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
5.0
Width (ft)
2.0 - 4.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes

Photographer: beachmike
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: imasongster
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: imasongster
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Mesic to dry-mesic upland forests, especially cove forests and rich montane oak-hickory forests; less numerous but widespread in dry forests and woodlands (especially over calcareous or mafic rocks), well-drained alluvial forests, clearings, and more open, disturbed habitats. Common in the mountains; frequent in the Piedmont; infrequent in the inner Coastal Plain; rare in the outer Coastal Plain.

Wildlife Value: Flowers are attractive to butterflies, especially smaller species, and other pollinators, including leaf-cutting bees. Songbirds eat the seeds.

Poisonous to Humans

Poison Severity: High

Poison Symptoms: The plant is highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten. Toxicity is characterized by weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, delirium, cardiac damage, prostration and eventually, coma. Even drinking milk from cows that have eaten the plant will cause "milk sickness" and vomiting

Flower Color
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

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