White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

Eupatorium-rugosum-flowers.JPG. by Jarekt. CC BY-SA 3.0. via Wikimedia Commons

CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Wikimedia Commons

White Snakeroot Plant Care

Ageratina altissima (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob.

Ageratina altissima, also known as white snakeroot,[2] richweed,[2] or white sanicle,[3] is a poisonous perennial herb in the family Asteraceae, native to eastern and central North America. An older binomial name for this species is Eupatorium rugosum, but the genus Eupatorium has undergone taxonomic revision by botanists, and some species once included in it have been moved to other genera.

๐ŸŒฑHerbs๐ŸŒผPerennials๐ŸŒปAnnuals
Water

Every 7โ€“10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50โ€“85ยฐF

Humidity

40โ€“70%

What Is the White Snakeroot?

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ageratina genus. White Snakeroot is native to eastern and central North America. White Snakeroot is also known as Tall White Snakeroot, Ageratina ageratoides, Ageratum altissimum.

White Snakeroot displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. White Snakeroot produces clusters of small white or pink flowers in flat-topped inflorescences.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a White Snakeroot?

Ageratina altissima requires watering every 7โ€“10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7โ€“10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the White Snakeroot Need?

White Snakeroot thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200โ€“1000 lux. Avoid placing White Snakeroot in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

200โ€“1000 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the White Snakeroot Prefer?

Ageratina altissima grows best at temperatures between 50ยฐF and 85ยฐF. White Snakeroot prefers humidity levels of 40โ€“70%.

Temperature

50โ€“85ยฐF

Humidity

40โ€“70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a White Snakeroot?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for White Snakeroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a White Snakeroot?

Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a White Snakeroot?

White Snakeroot can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

Is the White Snakeroot Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic to Pets & Children

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

What Pests and Diseases Affect the White Snakeroot?

White Snakeroot is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the White Snakeroot Need?

White Snakeroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a โ€“ 9b. Native to eastern and central North America, White Snakeroot is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow White Snakeroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 4a โ€“ 9b

Keep exploring plants

White Snakeroot is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Ageratina genus โ€” compare its care with other Ageratina species on PlantoScan.

White Snakeroot tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots โ€” browse the full list of low-light plants.

Identify Plants Like the
White Snakeroot Instantly

Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks โ€” all in one app.

Download on the App Store

Free

to download

89%

accuracy

5.0

App Store

200K+

species