White Snakeroot Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate'
ABOUT
The Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate', commonly known as the white snakeroot 'Chocolate', is a noteworthy plant largely due to its attractive foliage and flower characteristics. The most distinctive feature is its foliage which, as the name 'Chocolate' suggests, has a rich, dark purplish-brown hue, especially in the spring and fall. This coloration adds a dramatic contrast to the garden, with the leaves appearing almost bronze when backlit by sunlight. As the seasons change, the leaves can transition to a greener shade, but they often retain a dark undertone or edge. The plant bears clusters of small, fluffy, white flowers that stand in stark contrast to the dark leaves. These blooms typically appear in the late summer to fall and can create a soft, cloud-like effect above the darker foliage beneath. The flowers are not only a visual delight but also attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, adding to the plant's ecological value. Despite its toxicity to humans and certain animals if ingested, white snakeroot 'Chocolate' remains a popular choice for gardens due to its dual-tone aesthetic and the late-season flowering that adds interest to the landscape when many other plants are starting to fade. It is commonly used as a background plant in borders or as part of naturalistic plantings and woodland gardens, where its dramatic foliage can be effectively showcased.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Snakeroot, Chocolate Snakeroot, Richweed
Common names
Eupatorium rugosum, Eupatorium urticifolium, Eupatorium altissimum, Ageratina altissima.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate' is white snakeroot. White snakeroot contains a toxic alcohol called tremetol, which can be harmful if ingested by humans. Ingesting white snakeroot can lead to a condition historically known as milk sickness, because the toxin can be passed through the milk of cows that have grazed on the plant. Symptoms of poisoning from white snakeroot include loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, abdominal discomfort, reddened tongue, abnormal acidity of the blood, and possibly death if enough is consumed. It's important to avoid consuming any part of this plant.
To pets
White snakeroot is also toxic to pets. If pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest white snakeroot, they can suffer from symptoms similar to those seen in humans, which include vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, and trembling. In severe cases, tremetol poisoning can lead to death. As with humans, it is crucial to prevent pets from ingesting any part of white snakeroot to avoid these potential health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds visual interest to garden spaces with its dark purple to chocolate-colored foliage and white to light pink flower clusters.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Adapts well to a variety of soils and can tolerate partial shade, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Naturalizing: Can spread to form natural drifts or colonies in a landscape, creating a cohesive and natural look.
- Shade Tolerance: Can thrive in shaded areas where other plants may struggle, thereby offering more landscaping options.
- Late Season Bloomer: Provides garden interest in late summer to autumn when many other plants have finished blooming.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate', commonly known as White Snakeroot, can be used as a natural dye; the roots of the plant are known to contain tannins that can impart a subtle color to fabrics.
- The plant's stems and leaves can be utilized in compost piles, contributing organic matter and aiding in the breakdown process due to their nitrogen-rich content.
- The dark foliage of White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' may be used in the art of leaf pressing, adding a unique aesthetic to botanical collections and craft projects.
- As a non-toxic alternative to some garden plants, White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' can be used in pet-friendly gardens where the safety of animals is a concern.
- Its contrasting dark foliage can be used in landscape design to create striking visual backdrops that highlight the colors of other flowering plants.
- White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' can be incorporated into educational programs focused on native plants and their ecological roles to discuss plant-insect interactions.
- The plant can serve as a natural insect repellent, as some gardeners believe that its presence can deter certain pests from more valuable crops or ornamental plants.
- White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' may provide a natural solution for erosion control due to its dense growth habit, helping to stabilize soil in vulnerable areas.
- The flowers of the plant can be used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, offering a subtle, contrasting element to bouquets.
- Cultivating White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' can support local biodiversity by providing a food source for native insects, including butterflies and bees.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate', commonly known as White Snakeroot, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant White Snakeroot is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Restoration: Ageratina altissima, commonly known as white snakeroot, is often associated with healing due to its historical medicinal use by Native Americans.
- Caution: Its toxic nature, which can cause a serious condition known as milk sickness when cattle consume the plant and humans subsequently consume the milk, lends the plant a symbolic meaning of caution or danger.
- Mystery: The ‘Chocolate’ variety, with its dark foliage, can symbolize the unknown or the mysterious, reflecting its darker leaf color as opposed to the 'common' green foliage.
- Elegance: The delicate flower clusters and rich chocolate-toned leaves of the 'Chocolate' variety are also emblematic of a subtle elegance and sophistication.
- Purification: The plant’s ability to thrive in shady areas might symbolize purification, in the sense that it can brighten or cleanse a darkened space with its presence.
WaterThe White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly to maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged. In general, applying 1 to 1.5 gallons of water weekly should suffice, with adjustments made during hot, dry periods or excessive rainfall. During extreme heat, water the plant deeply to encourage root growth, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot. Overwatering can be detrimental, so it's crucial to check the soil moisture before adding water. Make sure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots rather than merely wetting the surface.
LightThe White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is best to place the plant in a spot where it will be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Dappled sunlight or a location with morning sun and afternoon shade would provide ideal lighting for this cultivar.
TemperatureThe White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' is hardy and can survive a wide range of temperatures, typically from around 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It thrives in moderate conditions and will perform best when the temperature remains between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's important to protect the plant from extreme cold, as temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can harm it. Ideal growth occurs when the plant is kept away from frost.
PruningPruning White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' is beneficial for maintaining its shape and encouraging bushier growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the old stems to about one-third of their height to promote new shoots and a more compact form. Pruning can also be done after the first bloom to encourage a second flowering later in the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWhite snakeroot 'Chocolate' thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.8. A good soil mix could be comprised of garden soil, compost, and leaf mold or peat moss to retain moisture while providing aeration.
RepottingWhite snakeroot 'Chocolate' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it has outgrown its current container. The best time to repot is during the spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingWhite snakeroot 'Chocolate' prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Aim to maintain humidity around 50% to 60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place White snakeroot 'Chocolate' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant White snakeroot 'Chocolate' in partial to full shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAgeratina altissima 'Chocolate', commonly known as Chocolate Snakeroot, begins its lifecycle when its seeds germinate in the spring. The seedlings establish themselves and develop into mature plants with dark purplish-brown foliage. Throughout the summer, the plant grows and forms clumps, eventually producing small, fluffy, white flower clusters that can attract butterflies and other pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed heads, which disperse seeds typically in late summer or fall to perpetuate the next generation. During the winter or in response to unfavorable conditions, the plant dies back to the ground, with the underground rhizomes surviving to regrow in the following spring. This perennial cycle repeats annually, allowing the Chocolate Snakeroot to spread and persist in garden settings.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The White Snakeroot 'Chocolate' is commonly propagated through division, a method best performed in spring or early fall. To propagate by division, one would carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp spade or knife to split the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Afterward, the divisions should be replanted promptly at the same soil depth as they were originally and watered thoroughly to help establish a strong root system. This technique allows gardeners to produce new plants quickly and is highly effective for White Snakeroot due to its clumping growth habit.
