Ageratina altissima

Ageratina altissima, also known as white snakeroot, is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It is native to eastern North America, where it is most commonly found in rich or calcareous woods.

Description

Ageratina altissima is a herbaceous plant with opposite, simple leaves, on green, often purple-tinged stems. The flowers are white, borne in late summer and early fall.

Distribution and habitat

Ageratina altissima is native to eastern North America, from Canada to the southern United States. It is most commonly found in rich or calcareous woods, but it can also be found in thickets and along streambanks.

Ecology

Ageratina altissima is a host plant for the caterpillars of the Eupatorium borer moth. It is also a food plant for various species of deer, which may help to control its spread.

Toxicity

Ageratina altissima contains the toxin tremetol, which can cause tremetol poisoning in humans if ingested indirectly via milk or meat from animals that have grazed on the plant. This condition, also known as milk sickness, was a common cause of death for settlers in the Midwest of the United States in the early 19th century.

Cultural significance

Ageratina altissima is believed to have been the cause of the death of Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the mother of Abraham Lincoln, due to milk sickness.

See also

• List of plants of the Eastern Woodlands (North America)
• List of Asteraceae genera