When does Sampson's snakeroot bloom?

Orbexilum pedunculatum typically flowers from June through August, producing small spikes of purple blooms above its trifoliate leaves.

What growing conditions does Sampson's snakeroot need?

This forb does best in part sun with medium moisture, though it tolerates drier, well-drained soils once established in open woodlands, glades, and prairie edges.

What pollinators visit Sampson's snakeroot?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to its purple flower spikes, drawn to the blooms during the summer flowering period.

Is Sampson's snakeroot evergreen?

No, it is a deciduous herbaceous forb that dies back to the ground each year and regrows from its root crown the following season.

Is Sampson's Snakeroot HOA-friendly?

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

Sampson's Snakeroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Orbexilum pedunculatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sampson's snakeroot (Orbexilum pedunculatum) is a low-growing legume forb that blooms purple flower spikes from June through August and thrives in open, well-drained sites with part sun.

Toxicity unknown

Sampson's Snakeroot (Orbexilum pedunculatum) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, FL, GA, IL and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Sampson's snakeroot is a native wildflower that produces clusters of small purple flowers from June through August. This compact perennial forms neat clumps with attractive three-leaflet foliage and grows well in partial sun with average moisture.

Growing Sampson's Snakeroot

Grow Sampson's Snakeroot in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sampson's Snakeroot 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.

Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
Can appear sparse or weedy compared to traditional garden plants
May die back noticeably in winter

Wildlife value

The purple flower clusters attract native bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. This legume also helps improve soil nitrogen through its root system.

Common questions

When does Sampson's snakeroot bloom?: Orbexilum pedunculatum typically flowers from June through August, producing small spikes of purple blooms above its trifoliate leaves.
What growing conditions does Sampson's snakeroot need?: This forb does best in part sun with medium moisture, though it tolerates drier, well-drained soils once established in open woodlands, glades, and prairie edges.
What pollinators visit Sampson's snakeroot?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to its purple flower spikes, drawn to the blooms during the summer flowering period.
Is Sampson's snakeroot evergreen?: No, it is a deciduous herbaceous forb that dies back to the ground each year and regrows from its root crown the following season.
Is Sampson's Snakeroot HOA-friendly?: Sampson's Snakeroot 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.

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