No images found for this plant ID: 3515.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3515" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Virginia snakeroot
Scientific Name: Aristolochia serpentaria
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CT (Virginia snakeroot), IA (Virginia snakeroot),
Virginia Snakeroot
Virginia Snakeroot is a fascinating perennial flowering plant with a rich history and a variety of common names. Here's a closer look:
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is known as "snakeroot" because its roots were historically used as a remedy for snakebites.
Scientific Name and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aristolochia serpentaria
- Family: Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort Family)
- Synonyms: Aristolochia convolvulacea, Aristolochia hastata, Endodeca Bartonii, Endodeca Serpentaria.
- Alternative Scientific Name: Endodeca serpentaria (=Aristolochia serpentaria).
Common Names
- Virginia snakeroot
- Birthwort
- Dutchmanspipe
- Pelican Flower
- Sangrel
- Sangrel-root
- Serpentaria
- Serpentary root
- Snakeroot
- Snakeweed
- Texas Snakeroot
- Red River Snakeroot
- Virginia serpentaria
- Snagrel
- Virginia dutchmanspipe
- Sangree Root
Description and Growth Habits
- Virginia Snakeroot grows up to 1-3 feet tall (approximately 18 inches as stated in one part of the text).
- It is a delicate perennial plant.
- It has thin, heart-shaped leaves.
- The central stem is light green, glabrous (smooth) to pubescent (hairy), and slender.
- The plant is herbaceous perennial.
- It has fibrous, horizontal rootstock produces many thin roots, as well as a wavy stem.
- The flowers are held just above the ground, making the plant easier to detect by its foliage.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to eastern North America, from Connecticut to southern Michigan and south to Texas.
- It occurs in a variety of habitats, usually in dry-mesic forests above streams or wetlands.
- It can also be found at the margins of floodplains.
Historical and Traditional Uses
- Snakeroot was used in early America in adjunct to quinine to promote perspiration.
- Virginia snakeroot's species and common name comes from its use by Native Americans and pioneers to cure rattlesnake bites.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "snakeroot" derives from its historical use as a remedy for snakebites.
- The plant's flowers are often difficult to spot because they are held close to the ground.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden is a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
- Michigan Natural Features Inventory: P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944. Phone: 517-373-1552
- Encyclopedia of Life
- New England Plant Conservation Program