How much sun does Purple rattlesnake-root need?

Purple rattlesnake-root grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Purple rattlesnake-root bloom?

Purple rattlesnake-root blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Purple rattlesnake-root native?

Purple rattlesnake-root (Nabalus racemosus) is native to CO, IA, IL, IN and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Purple rattlesnake-root attract?

Purple rattlesnake-root draws bees and butterflies.

Purple rattlesnake-root

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nabalus racemosus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Purple rattlesnake-root (Nabalus racemosus) is a perennial forb native to CO, IA, IL, IN and 17 more states. It blooms in August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Purple rattlesnake-root (Nabalus racemosus) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

CO, IA, IL, IN and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Acadian Plains and Hills

An upright perennial with a whitish waxy bloom on its stems and nodding clusters of pink-purple flower heads in late summer and fall. Found in moist prairies and meadows.

Growing Purple rattlesnake-root

Grow Purple rattlesnake-root in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Late-season flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies heading into fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Purple rattlesnake-root need?: Purple rattlesnake-root grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Purple rattlesnake-root bloom?: Purple rattlesnake-root blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Purple rattlesnake-root native?: Purple rattlesnake-root (Nabalus racemosus) is native to CO, IA, IL, IN and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Purple rattlesnake-root attract?: Purple rattlesnake-root draws bees and butterflies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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

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