Nabalus albus
white rattlesnake root
Overview
Nabalus albus is an upright herbaceous perennial of the aster family native to rich woodlands, forest edges, and clearings of eastern and central North America. It grows 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) tall on smooth, often purple-tinged stems that exude a milky white sap when cut. The variable leaves are broadly triangular to deeply lobed, 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) long, larger and long-stalked toward the base and reduced upward. From late summer into autumn it bears nodding clusters of bell-shaped flower heads, each with 8-15 creamy white to pale lavender ray florets and a ring of purplish-brown bracts, carrying a faint fragrance. The heads hang downward and open among rusty-brown hairs at the cluster tips, followed by tufted seeds carried on the wind. It draws bees and other late-season pollinators and tolerates dry shade once established. Because it needs woodland shade and even moisture, it grows poorly in hot, dry, or fully exposed sites. In cultivation it is used in woodland and shade gardens, native borders, and naturalized woods.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and west to the Great Plains. It grows in rich deciduous and mixed woodlands, along shaded edges, and in clearings on moist, humus-rich soils.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland and shade gardens, native and pollinator borders, and naturalized woods and edges. Its late, nodding bloom suits shaded plantings where few other flowers appear.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
creamy white to pale lavenderFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight