Asteraceae
white snakeroot: Fast Growing
Ageratina altissima
Thrives in moist, shaded woodland environments with rich soil. Requires consistent moisture and should be handled with caution due to its high toxicity.
Every 4 days
Partial shade
-30° - 35°C
40% - 90%
Categories
What is white snakeroot?
white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is a medium-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Ageratina altissima, commonly known as white snakeroot, is a poisonous perennial herb native to eastern North America. It is famous for containing the toxin tremetol, which causes 'milk sickness' in humans who consume milk from cows that have grazed on the plant. It features clusters of small, fuzzy...
white snakeroot grows up to 1.5m, spread of 120cm, watering every 4 days, -30°C – 35°C, 40–90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for white snakeroot?
TLDR: white snakeroot needs Partial shade, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between -30-35°C with 40-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water white snakeroot?
Never let the soil dry out completely; it is not drought-tolerant and will wilt quickly.
How Much Light Does white snakeroot Need?
Prefers partial shade to full shade; direct afternoon sun can scorch the foliage.
What Is the Best Soil for white snakeroot?
Requires humus-rich, fertile soil that stays consistently moist throughout the growing season.
What Pot Should You Use for white snakeroot?
Best grown in-ground in woodland gardens; if potted, use a large container with moisture-retentive soil.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
What Is white snakeroot and Where Does It Come From?
Ageratina altissima, commonly known as white snakeroot, is a poisonous perennial herb native to eastern North America. It is famous for containing the toxin tremetol, which causes 'milk sickness' in humans who consume milk from cows that have grazed on the plant. It features clusters of small, fuzzy white flowers and serrated, heart-shaped leaves.
How to Propagate white snakeroot?
Seed Sowing
- Do not cover seeds with soil.
- Keep the area moist but not waterlogged.
- 1 Collection
Collect seeds in late autumn when the flower heads turn brown and fluffy.
- 2 Sowing
Sow seeds directly on the soil surface as they require light to germinate.
- 3 Overwintering
Allow seeds to undergo natural cold stratification outdoors during winter.
Materials needed:
Root Division
- Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Ensure each division has at least one bud.
- 1 Digging
Carefully dig up the root clump in early spring before new growth starts.
- 2 Splitting
Use a sharp spade to divide the rhizomatous root system into sections.
- 3 Replanting
Replant immediately at the same depth and water thoroughly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does white snakeroot Grow?
TLDR: white snakeroot can reach up to 1.5m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
1.2m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Historically associated with the death of Nancy Hanks Lincoln, mother of Abraham Lincoln.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
