White Snakeroot Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub'
ABOUT
The Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub', commonly known as White Snakeroot, is a perennial plant known for its distinctive foliage and flower characteristics. This variety, 'Braunlaub', features a unique leaf coloration that sets it apart from the typical green-leaved White Snakeroot. The leaves are dark green with hints of deep purple or bronze, shifting in hue throughout the growing season. The edges of the leaves are serrated, adding texture to the overall appearance. During the blooming period, White Snakeroot 'Braunlaub' produces clusters of small, fluffy, white flowers. These blossom clusters are composed of many tiny individual flowers, each with a brush-like appearance, creating a soft contrast against the dark foliage. The plant is also known for its bushy and full growth habit, forming a rounded clump of leaves and flowers. It adds an element of depth to garden spaces with its layered, dense foliage. White Snakeroot is often valued for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add lasting interest to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Snakeroot, Richweed, White Sanicle, Tall Boneset
Common names
Eupatorium rugosum, Eupatorium urticifolium, Ageratina altissima
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub' is White Snakeroot. White Snakeroot contains a toxic alcohol known as tremetol, which can cause poisoning if ingested by humans. The condition associated with its toxicity is known historically as milk sickness because it was commonly transferred to humans through the milk of cows that had consumed the plant. Symptoms of poisoning can include loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, abdominal discomfort, reddened tongue, abnormal acidity of the blood, and possibly death if enough is consumed.
To pets
White Snakeroot is also toxic to pets. If animals such as dogs or cats ingest this plant, they may experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, severe gastrointestinal upset, weakness, and incoordination. If a large amount of the plant is consumed, it can lead to tremetol poisoning which may cause serious illness and potentially be fatal, especially in smaller pets. It is crucial for pet owners to prevent their animals from having access to this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: The Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub', commonly known as white snakeroot, provides nectar and habitat for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies, thus supporting biodiversity.
- Ornamental Value: It features attractive foliage and fluffy white flower clusters, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, white snakeroot is relatively drought resistant, requiring less watering and maintenance compared to other garden plants.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, allowing gardeners to beautify less sunny spots in their gardens.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant’s root system helps stabilize soil, which can prevent erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil loss.
- Easy Propagation: White snakeroot can easily be propagated through cuttings or seeds, making it a cost-effective addition to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Generally, it requires minimal care other than controlling its spread, as it can become invasive in some conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: With late summer to fall blooming, it extends the garden's interest when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Deer Resistance: Its foliage is not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas where deer browsing can be a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub', commonly known as white snakeroot, can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's fibrous stems might be utilized in paper making processes, particularly in artisanal or handmade paper crafts.
- White snakeroot can be incorporated into a wildlife garden, as it serves as a food source and habitat for various insects and pollinators.
- In some cultures, the plant is used in traditional ceremonial garb or decorations due to its distinctive foliage and flowers.
- White snakeroot's roots can be used in basket weaving and other fiber arts for their texture and strength.
- The flowers can be used as a natural preservative in potpourris to help retain the color and scent of other botanicals.
- Its aesthetically pleasing foliage makes it a good candidate for botanical illustration and plant-based art projects.
- Due to its allelopathic properties, Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub' might be used in companion planting to suppress the growth of certain weeds.
- Its presence in a garden might be used as a biological indicator of ecological health, as it thrives in certain soil and light conditions.
- The plant is often used in educational settings for studies in ecology, botany, and horticulture due to its characteristics and behavior in its natural habitat.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWhite Snakeroot is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub') is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and adapt to different life situations.
- Protection: Historically, some cultures believed that this plant had the power to ward off snakes and other dangers, representing a symbol of protection and safety.
- Mystery: The plant's association with snakes, due to its name, Snakeroot, gives it an air of mystery and the unknown, possibly representing things that are hidden or beyond our immediate understanding.
- Healing: Derived from its use in traditional medicine, particularly by Native Americans, the White Snakeroot may also symbolize healing and the use of natural remedies to restore health.
WaterThe White Snakeroot should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. This generally means watering the plant deeply once a week, depending on the weather and the soil drainage. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. It's essential to avoid letting the soil completely dry out between waterings. A good guideline is to provide about one gallon of water for an established plant each time you water.
LightWhite Snakeroot does best in partial shade, where it receives filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. It can also adapt to full shade conditions, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden spots where intense direct sunlight is limited. Avoid placing it in full sun, as it may cause the leaves to scorch and affect the plant's overall health.
TemperatureWhite Snakeroot can survive in a broad range of temperatures, generally preferring conditions between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but may not survive prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing. The ideal temperature for promoting growth and flowering is within the warmer part of this range.
PruningPruning White Snakeroot is generally done to maintain shape, control size, and remove any spent flower heads to encourage new blooms. It should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can also involve removing any dead or damaged stems to maintain the health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWhite Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub') thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter; a blend of loamy soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite works well. The ideal soil pH for White Snakeroot is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingWhite Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub') should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot, ensuring minimal stress to the plant.
Humidity & MistingWhite Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub') prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average household humidity. Ideal humidity levels are between 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, mulch, and ensure soil is moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub', commonly known as White Snakeroot, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring, in moist soil with partial to full shade. As a herbaceous perennial, it then enters a vegetative growth stage where it develops a clump of dark purple leaves and a sturdy stem. During late summer to early fall, the plant blossoms with clusters of small, fluffy, white flowers that are rich in nectar and attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds which are dispersed by wind, enabling the proliferation of the species. As winter approaches, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, while the root system remains dormant under the soil. In the following spring, the plant regrows from the rootstock, completing its annual life cycle and preparing for another season of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for Ageratina altissima 'Braunlaub', commonly known as White Snakeroot, is by seed. To propagate by seed, the seeds should be sown in late winter or early spring, just before the last frost. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be spread on top of a well-draining seed starting mix and not covered with soil, but rather pressed into the surface. The growing medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds typically germinate in two to three weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted outside once the risk of frost has passed and they have grown strong enough to handle the outdoor conditions.
