Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot)

Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot) is a clump-forming, spreading, herbaceous perennial boasting flat-topped clusters of small, fluffy, bright white flowers in summer and fall. Borne atop erect, strong branching stems, the long-lasting blossoms are attractive to bees, butterflies and moths in search of nectar. Long-stalked, sharp-toothed, gray-green, nettle like leaves, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm), are paired along the stems. Native to North America, White Snakeroot provides a wonderful garden presence and late season flowers at a time when choices may be limited. Use it in the informal setting of a cottage garden or allow it to naturalize in a woodland garden.

• Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). Will spread by rhizomes and self-seeding where happy.
• Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, moist, alkaline soils.
• Very useful and adaptable in the garden, this is an excellent choice as an accent plant, or for mixed borders, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, wild gardens and naturalized areas.
• No serious insect or disease problems. Deer resistant.
• Cut back faded flower stems to base to avoid any unwanted self-seeding.
• Propagate by seed or division, in spring.
• White Snakeroot causes the trembles in cattle and milk sickness in humans.
• Native to North America.