Photo: Reuven MartinCC0via Wikimedia Commons
Tall Rattlesnake Root Plant Care
Nabalus altissimus (L.) Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nabalus altissimus (formerly Prenanthes altissima), commonly called the tall rattlesnakeroot or white lettuce, is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae. In 2010 it was reclassified from the genus Prenanthes to Nabalus.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Water Tall Rattlesnake Root every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tall Rattlesnake Root Native To?
What Is the Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Tall Rattlesnake Root (Nabalus altissimus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Nabalus genus. Tall Rattlesnake Root is native to the eastern United States. Tall Rattlesnake Root is also known as Prenanthes altissima, Chondrilla altissima, Harpalyce altissima.
Tall Rattlesnake Root displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Tall Rattlesnake Root produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Nabalus altissimus requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tall Rattlesnake Root Need?
Tall Rattlesnake Root thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tall Rattlesnake Root Prefer?
Nabalus altissimus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Tall Rattlesnake Root prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tall Rattlesnake Root to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Feed Tall Rattlesnake Root every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Repot every 2-3 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 Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Tall Rattlesnake Root can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white lettuce plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tall Rattlesnake Root Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tall Rattlesnake Root, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tall Rattlesnake Root?
Tall Rattlesnake Root is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tall Rattlesnake Root Need?
Tall Rattlesnake Root grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tall Rattlesnake Root is native to the eastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Tall Rattlesnake Root as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Tall Rattlesnake Root 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 Nabalus genus — compare its care with other Nabalus species on PlantoScan.
Nabalus is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Tall Rattlesnake Root thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Nabalus Species
Other Nabalus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nabalus altissimus (L.) Hook., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Bor.-Amer. (Hooker) 1(6): 294. 1833 [late 1833]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tall Rattlesnake Root, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Reuven Martin, CC0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Tall Rattlesnake Root Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species