A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Ageratina altissima
Ageratina altissima commonly called white snakeroot, is native to woodland areas in the Eastern United States. It typically occurs in rich or rocky woods, thickets, wood margins and rocky areas. It features small fluffy bright white flowers (composites with rays absent) arranged in loose, flattened clusters (corymbs to 3-4” across) atop smooth stems typically rising 3-5’ tall. Blooms from late summer to frost. This is a somewhat weedy perennial that can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding. Long-stalked, sharp-toothed, taper-pointed, lance-shaped to elliptic-oval, nettle-like, dark green leaves (3-6” long) are paired along the stems. Native Americans reportedly used a decoction of the roots as a remedy for snakebite, hence the common name. Settlers who drank milk from cows that fed on this plant often developed the disease called milk sickness. This plant is synonymous with Eupatorium rugosum. Specific epithet means tall or highest.
No Comments