Flowering White Snakeroot
Not too many wild herbs are flowering near the end of September. One exception is the group called ‘thoroughworts’ of the Compositae family.
In open areas of the woods and along the lane the white flowers of White Snakeroot can be seen. Native Americans used white snakeroot as a poultice for snakebites and hence the name stuck.
The herb and roots were used for a variety of other ailments, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Drinking the milk from cows that have eaten the herb can be fatal to humans!
White snakeroot growing in the woods of South Central Pennsylvania.
Branched clusters of white snakeroot flowers.