Snakeroot

Snakeroot is a common name used for a variety of plants, most notably those in the genus Ageratina, which are native to the Americas. One of the most well-known is white snakeroot, Ageratina altissima, a perennial herb found in eastern and central North America. This plant is characterized by its clusters of small, white, fuzzy flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. White snakeroot can grow to a height of several feet and prefers shady, moist woodland environments. Historically, it gained notoriety for its toxicity to livestock and humans. Consuming milk from cows that had grazed on snakeroot could lead to a serious illness known as "milk sickness."

Other plants also carry the snakeroot name. For example, black snakeroot refers to species like Sanicula marilandica, a different genus altogether, also found in North America. These plants have different appearances and ecological roles. The term "snakeroot" likely arose from the plant's supposed medicinal properties in folk medicine, particularly in treating snakebites, though scientific evidence for such uses varies widely. Due to the toxicity of some species, particularly white snakeroot, caution is advised when identifying and handling plants referred to by this common name.