white snakeroot
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Ageratina altissimaOther Common Names:
richweed
snakeroot
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Eupatorium urticifolium
Ageratum altissimum
Eupatorium rugosum
Habit
A perennial plant with erect stems that can grow up to 5ft tall in a season. Flowers typically bloom in the fall.
Leaves
Leaves are opposite; ovate and serrated along the margins. The base of the leaf is rounded. Leaves may have hairs on the underside.
Identifying Characteristics
An erect perennial herb with clusters of small, white flowers. Leaves have a wide, rounded base and have serrated margins. The underside of leaves are often hairy, especially along the central vein. This species is toxic to humans and other mammals.
Flower Seed Head
The small white flowers (3-6mm) are not showy and occur in clusters on the terminals of erect branches.
Seed Fruit
Fruit is an oblong achene that has a little tuft of hair (papus) on one end.
Where Found
Typically found in woods, meadows, and along roadsides.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
not symmetrical
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
taproot
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb