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Prenanthes alba
Prenanthes alba L.
White Rattlesnakeroot, White Rattlesnake-root, White Lettuce
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Nabalus albus
USDA Symbol: PRAL2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Tall, slender perennial with usually white or pinkish drooping flower heads in clusters along the stem; smooth stem, usually purplish with whitish bloom, has milky juice when crushed. Ranges from 1 1/2-5 ft. though usually 2-3 ft. tall. Stems and leaves are bluish-green. Loose terminal flower clusters. Flowers are white or yellowish and sometimes purple-tinged.
The name Rattlesnake-root suggests the plant was used as a remedy for snakebite. A bitter tonic was made from the roots and thought useful in treating dysentery. This is one of several species of Rattlesnake-roots, all of which have drooping flower heads, distinctly lobed leaves, and milky juice. Lion's Foot (P. serpentaria) is similar but has white bristles on its fruit and the stem lacks bloom. Gall-of-the-earth (P. trifolioliata) has very deeply divided 3-part leaves and a waxy reddish stem. Tall White Lettuce (P. altissima) has only 5 main bracts surrounding the flower heads. Smooth White Lettuce (P. racemosa) has pinkish flowers in a spike, clasping elongated leaves, and yellow bristles.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: BiennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Red , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: AB , MB , ON , QC , SK
Native Distribution: W. Que. to Sask., s. to NC, LA & n.e. SD
Native Habitat: Moist, open woods; shady roadsides; thickets
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: The alternate common name, rattlesnake root, suggests the plant was used as a remedy for snakebite. A bitter tonic was made from the roots and thought useful in treating dysentery. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Commercially Avail: yesNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Prenanthes alba in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Prenanthes alba in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Prenanthes alba
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-06Research By: TWC Staff