The common name “snakeroot” frequently leads to confusion because it refers to several distinct plant species rather than a single botanical entity. This broad application of the name stems from historical uses or perceived characteristics, making accurate identification crucial. Understanding the specific plant in question is important due to the wide range of properties these plants possess, which can include medicinal benefits or significant toxicity.
The Diverse Plants Known as Snakeroot
“Snakeroot” is a common name for various plants, not a single species, contributing to potential misidentification. This naming convention often originated from historical beliefs about their ability to treat snakebites or from certain root characteristics. Among the most prominent are White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) and Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa). Native American tribes historically used the roots of various plants to create poultices for snakebites, leading to the shared “snakeroot” designation. This commonality in traditional use, despite distinct botanical properties, highlights the importance of precise scientific classification.
White Snakeroot: Identification and Toxicity
White Snakeroot, scientifically known as Ageratina altissima, is a poisonous perennial herb native to eastern and central North America. It typically grows between 2 and 4 feet tall, featuring coarse, toothed leaves with pointed tips that grow opposite each other on erect stems. From summer through fall, the plant produces clusters of small, tubular white flowers, often found in moist, shady areas like woodlands, roadsides, and thickets.
This plant is dangerous because it contains tremetol, a fat-soluble alcohol that is highly toxic. Tremetol can poison livestock that consume the plant, and the toxin can then pass into the milk of lactating animals. Humans who consume contaminated milk are susceptible to “milk sickness,” a severe illness that caused symptoms like vomiting, trembling, and severe intestinal pain, sometimes leading to death. A notable historical example is the death of Abraham Lincoln’s mother in 1818, attributed to milk sickness. The toxicity remains even after the plant dries or after frost, making it hazardous in hay.
Black Cohosh: Historical Use and Current Understanding
Black Cohosh, known scientifically as Actaea racemosa, has a long history of use, particularly among Indigenous peoples. Traditional applications included addressing women’s health issues and treating snakebites. The plant’s root was valued for its perceived medicinal properties.
In modern herbal medicine, Black Cohosh is a popular supplement used to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. While many individuals report benefits, scientific research on its efficacy and safety has yielded mixed results. Studies have explored its potential mechanisms of action, though a complete understanding is still developing. Some reported side effects include stomach upset, headache, and weight gain, and it may interact with certain medications.
Other Notable Snakeroot Varieties
Several other plants also bear the common name “snakeroot,” each with unique characteristics and historical associations. Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria) is one such example, recognized for its distinctive, often S-shaped root. Another is Button Snakeroot (Liatris spicata), which produces tall spikes of purple, button-like flowers and is often used in ornamental gardens. Indian Snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina) is a plant whose root has been used in traditional medicine, containing chemicals like reserpine that can affect blood pressure and heart rate. Due to varied properties and potential health implications, accurate identification is crucial when encountering any plant called “snakeroot.”