Ageratina altissima, or white snakeroot, is a common, widespread plant native to much of eastern North America. The name "snakeroot" refers to a traditional use to cure snakebites. White snakeroot is toxic and when consumed by cattle their milk and meat become contaminated. Consuming these products can cause "milk sickness", which killed thousands of people in the early 19th century including the mother of Abraham Lincoln, Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
Because of its toxicity, most animals won't consume white snakeroot unless their options are severely limited. This has allowed snakeroot to thrive. Snakeroot blooms in abundance every fall, providing a great deal of nectar for bees, wasps, butterflies and moths.
Blooms in | fall, summer |
---|---|
Color | white |
Habitat | Forest |
Status | native |