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16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
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Eupatorium rugosum

White Snakeroot

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Eupatorium rugosum (White Snakeroot)

White Snakeroot is native to woodland areas. From late summer to frost, it features small, fluffy, bright-white composite flowers arranged in loose, flattened clusters atop smooth stems. Sharp-toothed, lance-shaped dark green leaves are paired along the stems.

Additional Information:
Native Americans reportedly used a potion made from 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.

Rugosum means wrinkled, in reference to the slightly wrinkled appearance of the leaves. This plant is synonymous with and has in the past been called Ageratina altissima.


Height
3-5 Feet

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Spread
3-4 Feet

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
White


USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Useful in cottage gardens, woodland gardens and naturalized areas. May be effective in shady corners of the border. This is a somewhat weedy perennial that can spread invasively by rhizomes and self-seeding. Deadhead spent flower heads to avoid any unwanted self-seeding.

Good Companions
Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum), Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FAC+

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Root

Rhizomes

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)

Soil Moisture

Moderate

Special Uses

Fresh Cut Flower
Fragrant

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Medium Sun/Average Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Butterfly Nectar