How much sun does Nodding Rattlesnakeroot need?

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Nodding Rattlesnakeroot bloom?

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Nodding Rattlesnakeroot native?

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus crepidineus) is native to AR, DE, IA, IL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Nodding Rattlesnakeroot attract?

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot draws bees, butterflies, and moths.

Is Nodding Rattlesnakeroot HOA-friendly?

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nabalus crepidineus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus crepidineus) 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

24"–60" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AR, DE, IA, IL and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Driftless Area Eastern Corn Belt Plains Erie Drift Plain Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Nodding rattlesnake root is a tall native wildflower with distinctive drooping clusters of small, cream-colored flowers that bloom from summer into fall. This slender perennial grows in an upright, narrow column and prefers partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nodding Rattlesnakeroot 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 tall height may appear weedy
Informal wildflower appearance
Can look sparse in early season

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and night-flying moths during its long blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds in late fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Nodding Rattlesnakeroot need?: Nodding Rattlesnakeroot grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Nodding Rattlesnakeroot bloom?: Nodding Rattlesnakeroot blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Nodding Rattlesnakeroot native?: Nodding Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus crepidineus) is native to AR, DE, IA, IL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Nodding Rattlesnakeroot attract?: Nodding Rattlesnakeroot draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
Is Nodding Rattlesnakeroot HOA-friendly?: Nodding Rattlesnakeroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Nodding Rattlesnakeroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz