white snakeroot

Ageratina altissima

PerennialAsteraceae

white snakeroot
Deer-resistantDrought tolerant
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
Growth rate
Moderate
Habit
Herb
Bloom season
Summer, autumn
Bloom color
White
Foliage color
Green
Soil types
Loam, clay, chalk
Soil pH
Alkaline, neutral
Toxicity
Toxic to pets

Garden uses

BorderLow maintenanceMeadowPollinator garden

Attracts

ButterfliesBeesBirds

Notes

White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, loamy, clay, or chalky soil. Flat-topped clusters of small, fuzzy white flowers open from summer into autumn and draw butterflies, bees, and birds. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Keep pets away from it, since it is toxic to pets.

Pairs well with Hardy geranium, Morning Light eulalia, and Aureola Japanese forest grass.

Native range

AL, AR, CT, DC, and 38 more places. See all 42

AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV; NB, NS, NT, ON, and SK.