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white snakeroot
Scientific Name: Ageratina altissima
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)
White snakeroot, scientifically known as Ageratina altissima, is a perennial herb with a history intertwined with both folklore and tragedy. This plant, belonging to the Asteraceae family, has several common names including richweed, white sanicle, and tall boneset.
Considerations for Pets
- White snakeroot contains the toxin tremetol, making it poisonous if consumed.
- Livestock, such as horses and goats, are susceptible to poisoning from white snakeroot ingestion.
Considerations for Children
- White snakeroot contains the toxin tremetol, making it poisonous if consumed directly.
Quirky Facts
- Despite its toxicity, White Snakeroot was once believed by early settlers to be valuable in treating snakebites.
- The plant is responsible for killing thousands of people in the Midwest and eastern United States in the 18th and 19th centuries through "milk sickness."
- Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate' variety has maroon-brown leaves contrasting with white flowers.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ageratina altissima
- Family: Asteraceae (also known as the Composite or Sunflower family)
- Synonyms: Eupatorium rugosum, Eupatorium urticifolium, Eupatorium altissima
- Note: This plant was formerly classified under the genus Eupatorium.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Naturalized throughout southern Canada and the eastern half of the United States.
- Common in woodland areas, especially in the Eastern United States.
- Found in shaded areas of pastures near streams or woods.
- Prefers rich, moist soil in woods and thickets.
Morphological Characteristics
- Erect, branched herb typically about 3 feet tall, but can range from 1 to 5 feet.
- Slender, round stems and branches.
- Opposite, simple, stalked, ovate leaves, 2.5 to 6 inches long and 1 to 5 inches wide.
- Fibrous root crown that may have short rhizomes.
- Can grow to 2 meters (6ft 7in).
- Small white flower heads without petals appear in flat clusters during late summer to fall (August to September).
Ecological Role
- Spreads by rhizomes and seeds.
Toxicity
- Contains the toxin tremetol.
- Poisonous to cattle, horses, goats, and humans.
- Tremetol can be passed through the milk of cattle that have consumed the plant, leading to "milk sickness" in humans.
- Clinical signs of poisoning can occur year-round, though typically observed in summer and late fall.
Traditional Use
- Historically, Native Americans used it as a medicinal plant and also as Indian Sanicle.
Further Information
- W. J. Beal Botanical Garden
- Crocus delivery service for Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate'