White Snakeroot
Ageratina altissima
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
H. Zell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Ageratina
- Species:
- Ageratina altissima
- USDA Symbol:
- AGAL5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ailanthus silkmoth (Samia cynthia), Clymene moth (Haploa clymene), Hitched Arch (Melanchra adjuncta), Leucospilapteryx venustella, Walker’s Atlas Moth (Samia walkeri)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Southern plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus), Spurred Small Carpenter Bee (Ceratina calcarata), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Zadontomerus Ashmead Moths:Atteva aurea, Black-and-yellow lichen moth (Lycomorpha pholus), Bronzed Cutworm (Nephelodes minians), Celery leaftier (Udea rubigalis), Juniper-twig geometer (Patalene olyzonaria), kidney-spotted minor (Lacinipolia renigera), Leucospilapteryx venustella, Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) Butterflies:American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), Atalopedes Scudder, Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), ⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops), Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers shaded woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; surface sow on moist medium and keep at 20°C after stratification.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Wild Seed Project (seeds)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)