SafePlants

Santa Rita Snakeroot (Ageratina paupercula)

Ageratina paupercula, commonly known as Santa Rita snakeroot, is a North American species belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It's a perennial herb or shrub found in specific habitats in the west and southwest United States.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ageratina paupercula (A. Gray) R.M. King & H. Rob.
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Eupatorium pauperculum A. Gray
• Common Name: Santa Rita snakeroot

Distribution and Habitat

• Santa Rita snakeroot is native to North America, specifically the western and southwestern United States.
• It thrives in habitats near water sources, canyons, and mountainous regions.
• It is often found at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 feet.

Morphological Characteristics

• Life Form: Forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• Duration: Perennial
• Leaves: Narrow, toothed, lanceolate (shaped like a lance), arranged oppositely on the stem, and simple in format. Usually present.
• Flowers: White or whitish in color, appearing in clusters.
• Growth Habit: Native shrub.

Ecological Role

• It serves as a nectar plant for pollinators.

Further Information

• Discover Life hosts a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Ageratina paupercula.
• The Encyclopedia of Life also contains information on Ageratina paupercula.
• Flora of North America, Vol. 21.