Rattlesnake Root

About Rattlesnake Root

Rattlesnake Root, or Purple Rattlesnake-root, is a robust and structural native perennial that adds vertical interest and late-season color to the prairie. Typically growing 2 to 5 feet tall, it features a sturdy, unbranched, glaucous stem that terminates in a dense, spike-like cluster of nodding flower heads. From August through October, it produces lovely pink to pale purple flowers encased in hairy, purplish bracts. Native to the northern and central United States, this species is most frequently found in moist to mesic prairies, fens, and sedge meadows. Its nectar-rich blooms are a favorite for bumblebees and other late-season pollinators. Rattlesnake Root performs best in full sun and medium-wet to medium soils, though it is surprisingly adaptable to different moisture levels. Its upright habit and unusual flower structure provide an excellent vertical accent, contrasting beautifully with the late-summer grasses and asters of a sun-drenched native planting.