Aristolochia serpentaria is a small, herbaceous woodland plant commonly known as Virginia snakeroot. It is native to much of eastern North America.
Its leaves are elongated and heart-shaped, with a wedge-shaped leaf base. The entire plant is no more than a foot or so high, with a noticeably zig-zagged stem.
The flowers of Virginia snakeroot are small and hidden, rarely noticed when they bloom in the summer.
Although this plant often goes unnoticed, it is an important species. Virginia snakeroot serves as the only host plant in the Preserve for the Pipevine Swallowtail, a common butterfly.
Virginia snakeroot may be mistaken for several other heart-leaved woodland plants when not in bloom, like Short's aster. Look for smooth leaf edges, a wedge-shaped leaf base, and a dramatic, zig-zag stem to be sure of its identity.
Blooms in | summer |
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Color | green, maroon, purple, red |
Habitat | Forest |
Status | native |