Quick answer: White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is native to 23 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Sten Porse, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Rich, neutral pH |
| Bloom | Aug-Oct |
| Height | Up to 4 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds, conspicuous white flowers |
Contains tremetol; poisonous to livestock and to humans (historically caused "milk sickness" via contaminated dairy)
Spreads by seed and can become weedy
Lookalike alert
Live plant, 2-gallon pot ('Chocolate' cultivar), In Stock, $45.20.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about White snakeroot
Where is White snakeroot native?
White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is native to 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does White snakeroot bloom?
White snakeroot blooms Aug-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does White snakeroot need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Rich, neutral pH. Mature height: Up to 4 ft.
Is White snakeroot good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds, conspicuous white flowers.
Is White snakeroot deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
White snakeroot is tolerates shade.
Is White snakeroot toxic?
Contains tremetol; poisonous to livestock and to humans (historically caused "milk sickness" via contaminated dairy).
Where can I buy real White snakeroot seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with White snakeroot.
- Climbing prairie rose Rosa setigera
- Fire pink Silene virginica
- White turtlehead Chelone glabra
- Common buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis
- Common evening primrose Oenothera biennis
- Coralberry Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
Also listed under
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