White Snakeroot: A Spooky Bloom in the Sugarbush

In late September, clusters of delicate white flowers start blooming across our sugarbush. At first glance, they look harmless — even pretty. But this plant, known as White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), has a surprisingly dark place in American history.

A Plant That Changed History

In the early 1800s, many pioneers in the Midwest and Appalachia fell victim to a mysterious illness called “milk sickness.” People suffered from nausea, weakness, and often death. It wasn’t until much later that the culprit was discovered: cows grazing on White Snakeroot. The plant’s toxin, tremetol, can pass through milk and meat to humans.

Tragically, in 1818, Nancy Hanks Lincoln — Abraham Lincoln’s mother — died from milk sickness, leaving a nine-year-old Abraham without her guidance. This little wildflower left a lasting mark on American history.

How Did White Snakeroot Get Its Name?

Early settlers believed that the roots of this plant could be used to treat snakebites — hence the name “snakeroot.” While that old-time remedy didn’t hold up to modern science, the name stuck. Today, White Snakeroot is more infamous for its toxicity than its healing power.

White Snakeroot in the Sugarbush

The good news? White Snakeroot does not harm maple trees. It tends to grow in the partial shade of woodlands, thriving on the forest floor where it doesn’t compete much with the maples themselves.

In fact, it plays a role in the sugarbush ecosystem by offering late-season nectar for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, when many other flowers have faded. Still, if livestock or pets are nearby, it’s wise to keep them away from this plant.

Where Is White Snakeroot Found?

White Snakeroot is native to much of eastern and central North America. It is commonly found in:

• Wooded areas with partial shade (like sugarbushes)
• Moist, rich soils
• The understory of deciduous forests from Canada down to the southern U.S.

So if you’re walking your sugarbush this fall, keep an eye out — you’ll likely find this plant quietly blooming beneath your maples.

Final Thoughts

From tragic history to its role in today’s forests, White Snakeroot is a reminder that every plant in the sugarbush has a story. Some inspire wonder. Some carry warnings. And together, they make the woods a place of endless discovery.

Have you spotted White Snakeroot in your woods this season? Drop us a comment — and maybe share your own sugarbush story.