White Snakeroot

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima):

A Beautiful Yet Poisonous Plant

White snakeroot, also known as richweed or white sanicle, is a perennial herb native to eastern and central North America. While it boasts beautiful white flower heads and attracts pollinators, it's crucial to remember its toxic nature.

Here's a comprehensive overview of white snakeroot:

Characteristics:

• Height: 2-4 feet tall

• Habitat: Woodlands, meadows, thickets, disturbed areas

• Leaves: Opposite, oval-shaped, slightly serrated

• Flowers: Small, white, fluffy heads, bloom in late summer and early fall

• Toxicity: Contains tremetol, a toxin harmful to humans and livestock

Toxicity:

• When ingested by cattle, white snakeroot transmits the toxin tremetol to their milk and meat, causing milk sickness in humans. This illness was historically responsible for numerous deaths before the cause was identified.

• Direct consumption of white snakeroot by humans can also lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle tremors, and even paralysis.

Uses:

• Despite its toxicity, white snakeroot has some medicinal uses. Native Americans used it to treat various ailments, including snakebites and fevers.

• Today, it's sometimes used in herbal remedies, but with extreme caution due to its potential dangers.

• White snakeroot is also a valuable source of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.

Precautions:

• Do not eat any part of the white snakeroot plant.

• If you have livestock, be aware of the potential for milk sickness and keep them away from the plant.

• Wear gloves when handling white snakeroot, as it can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Additional Information:

• White snakeroot is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies, sunflowers, and asters.

• It is also known by several other names, such as tall boneset, horseweed, and whitetop.

• If you suspect that you or someone you know has consumed white snakeroot, seek medical attention immediately.

Here's a breakdown of the US states where white snakeroot is native:

Northeast:
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New York
Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Southeast:
Maryland
Delaware
Virginia
West Virginia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
Florida

South Central:
Alabama
Mississippi
Louisiana
Texas

Midwest:
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
Arkansas