Agueroot
Aletris farinosa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Aletris farinosa is a low forb with a basal rosette of leaves and a spike of small white bell shaped flowers, blooming May through July in moist meadows, bogs, and open woodland edges.
Toxicity unknown
Agueroot (Aletris farinosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 3"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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Agueroot is a low-growing perennial with narrow evergreen leaves arranged in a basal rosette. It produces slender spikes of small white tubular flowers from late spring through summer, creating a delicate woodland appearance.
Growing Agueroot
Grow Agueroot in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Agueroot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very wild and weedy appearance
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
- Small stature makes it appear unfinished in formal settings
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract native bees and beetles during the extended bloom period from May through July.
Common questions
- When does Aletris farinosa bloom?
- Aletris farinosa typically flowers from May through July, producing a slender spike of small white, bell shaped blooms above a basal rosette of leaves.
- What pollinates Aletris farinosa?
- Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the small tubular flowers of Aletris farinosa during its spring and summer bloom period.
- What growing conditions does Aletris farinosa prefer?
- This forb does best in part shade with medium to consistently moist soil, similar to the damp meadows, bogs, and sandy open woods where it is commonly found.
- How is Aletris farinosa identified in the field?
- Look for a flat rosette of grass-like leaves and a tall, narrow flower spike lined with small white blooms that have a slightly mealy or roughened texture, which gives the plant its common name colicroot.
- Is Agueroot HOA-friendly?
- Agueroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Agueroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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