How much sun does White Rattlesnakeroot need?

White Rattlesnakeroot grows best in part shade conditions.

When does White Rattlesnakeroot bloom?

White Rattlesnakeroot blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is White Rattlesnakeroot native?

White Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus albus) is native to AR, CT, DE, GA and 24 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does White Rattlesnakeroot attract?

White Rattlesnakeroot draws bees and butterflies.

Is White Rattlesnakeroot HOA-friendly?

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

White Rattlesnakeroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nabalus albus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

White Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus albus) 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 × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AR, CT, DE, GA and 24 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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White rattlesnakeroot is a tall native wildflower that produces clusters of small, drooping white flowers from summer into fall. This woodland perennial grows 2-5 feet tall and thrives in partial shade with average moisture. The plant has attractive broad leaves and adds height to shade gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

White 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.

Tall wild appearance looks too informal for front yards
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
Common name includes 'rattlesnake' which may concern neighbors

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various bees and butterflies during the long blooming period from July through September. Seeds provide food for birds in late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does White Rattlesnakeroot need?: White Rattlesnakeroot grows best in part shade conditions.
When does White Rattlesnakeroot bloom?: White Rattlesnakeroot blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is White Rattlesnakeroot native?: White Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus albus) is native to AR, CT, DE, GA and 24 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does White Rattlesnakeroot attract?: White Rattlesnakeroot draws bees and butterflies.
Is White Rattlesnakeroot HOA-friendly?: White 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

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