SafePlants

Havana Snakeroot (Ageratina havanensis)

Ageratina havanensis, commonly known as Havana Snakeroot or White Mistflower, is a flowering shrub belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the related genus *Eupatorium* also contains plants called "snakeroot", and at least one video is called a "toxic plant, white snakeroot". Although *Ageratina havanensis* is not explicitly identified as toxic, this association with other snakeroots warrants caution around pets.

Considerations for Children

• No explicit cautions are stated about children and Havana Snakeroot.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ageratina havanensis (H.B. Kunth) R.M. King and H. Robinson
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Synonyms:
  • Eupatorium havanense Kunth
  • Eupatorium texense (Torr. & A. Gray) Rydb.

Common Names

• Havana Snakeroot
• White Mistflower
• Shrubby White Mistflower
• White Boneset
• Thoroughwort
• Shrubby Boneset
• White Shrub Mistflower
• Mistflower

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Texas, Cuba, and northeastern Mexico.

Morphological Characteristics

• A rounded, perennial shrub typically growing 2-6 feet tall.
• Multiple, much-branched stems arising from the base.
• Leaf blades are triangular to roughly ovate and are arranged oppositely on the stem.
• Covered in highly fragrant, fuzzy white blooms from fall through February.
• Drought-tolerant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) butterfly has been observed on White Mistflower (Ageratina havanensis, Eupatorium havanense).

Additional Information

• The plant flowers in April and throughout the summer and early fall, especially on plants that have been cut back.
• Requires periodic fertilization in the spring with a fertilizer rich in nutrients for florid development.