Sampson's Snakeroot
Orbexilum pedunculatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Orbexilum pedunculatum (Sampson's Snakeroot) is a native forb blooming June through August across the southeastern and south-central United States. This purple-flowered plant attracts bees and butterflies in partial sun to sunny locations.
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 blooms from June through August, producing purple flowers that attract pollinators during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Sampson's Snakeroot?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Orbexilum pedunculatum, attracted to its summer blooms.
- Where is Sampson's Snakeroot native?
- This plant is native to 18 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia among others.
- What growing conditions does Sampson's Snakeroot prefer?
- Orbexilum pedunculatum grows best in partial sun with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate full sun to partial shade and medium to low water conditions.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Sampson's Snakeroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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