White Snakeroot
Ageratina altissima
native
Other Names:
Richweed, White Sanicle, Tall Boneset
White Snakeroot is a native perennial herb found in much of Virginia. It gets its name because the roots were believed by some to cure snakebites. The nectar of the flowers attracts numerous insects, and the caterpillars of some moths feed on the leaves. White Snakeroot contains trematol, an alcohol that is toxic to humans. If cows eat a lot of it, they can get a disease that leads to death. If they are lactating, they can pass the disease to humans through their milk, with fatal consequences. Abraham Lincoln's mother died of the disease when he was 9 years old.
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