Ageratina aromatica

Common Names

Lesser Snakeroot, Small-Leaf White Snakeroot, Wild Hoarhound

Summary

Ageratina aromatica is a native eastern North American perennial herb in the Asteraceae, forming a clump with erect stems about 0.3–0.8 m tall and opposite, aromatic leaves, bearing small white flower heads in late summer to fall, growing in dry woods, thickets, and clearings, including open forests influenced by prescribed or incendiary fires, in cultivation it prefers full sun to light shade and ordinary well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil, tolerating sandy to clay textures, is hardy to USDA zones 4a–9b, and can be propagated by seed in spring or by division in spring, it is self-fertile and insect-pollinated, and attracts bees and butterflies, uses include medicinal applications and homeopathy, with the root described as aromatic and possibly edible, making it suitable for native or pollinator-friendly landscapes, slopes, and woodland edges

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-5 feet

Spread

unknown

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay textures.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil that dries out between waterings; avoid soggy, wet soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, Slightly acidic to neutral, Tolerates acid, neutral, or alkaline soils

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Late Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies, pollinators are insects, no evidence of attraction to hummingbirds or birds