White snakeroot is easy to grow and matures rapidly, often blooming its first year. A variety of insects are attracted to the clusters of bright, white flowers which are among the last to bloom in the season. It thrives in disturbed sites with partial shade and spreads both by seed and rhizome. Limit its spread, which can be significant, by removing the seed heads before they are blown about by the wind. This plant contains a toxic chemical known as tremetol that can be passed to humans through cow milk and accounted for a large number of fatalities in the early 1800's.
Uses: Groundcover, woodland gardens, pollinators
Bloom time: July - October
Height: 12 to 48 inches
Space: 12 to 24 inches
Sun: Full sun to medium shade
Moisture: Average
Seed: A brief stratification period can be beneficial but is not essential.
- 200 seeds per packet
- 150,000 seeds per ounce
- 1 ounce covers up to 5,000 square feet