Family: Asteraceae
Author: (L.) Hook.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1(6): 294 (1833)
Year: 1833
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nabalus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canada to U.S.A.
Description
White rattlesnakeroot, scientifically known as Nabalus albus, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This intriguing plant can be found across a vast range extending from Canada to the United States, thriving in various woodland and prairie habitats.
Characteristically, White rattlesnakeroot features tall, slender stems that can reach heights of up to 4 feet. These stems support clusters of creamy white flowers, typically blooming in late summer to early autumn. The flowers are arranged in loose, narrow panicles and are known for their delicate, wispy appearance that adds an understated elegance to its natural surroundings.
The foliage of Nabalus albus is another noteworthy characteristic. The leaves are deeply lobed and can vary in shape, often resembling an oak leaf in their outline. This distinctive leaf shape, coupled with its lush green color, makes White rattlesnakeroot a recognizable and striking component of the ecosystem.
Ecologically, Nabalus albus plays a significant role in its native environments. It provides a vital source of nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby supporting the biodiversity of the area. Additionally, its seeds are adapted for wind dispersion, allowing the plant to colonize new areas effectively.
Historically, White rattlesnakeroot was first formally described in “Flora Boreali-Americana,” a comprehensive work on North American flora written in 1833. The scientific classification and nomenclature of this plant were later refined by William Hooker, a prominent botanist of the time.
In summary, Nabalus albus or White rattlesnakeroot is a fascinating and essential species within the Asteraceae family. Its wide distribution from Canada to the U.S.A., coupled with its distinctive floral and foliage characteristics, underscores its ecological importance and botanical interest. With its historical documentation dating back to the early 19th century, it remains a subject of study and admiration among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: lion’s foot, white rattlesnakeroot, white lettuce
Fra: prenanthe blanche
En: White rattlesnakeroot, White Rattlesnake-Root, Lion’s foot, White lettuce
Fr: Prenanthe blanche
De: Hasenlattich, Weißer Lattich
Synonyms
- Prenanthes ovata (Riddell)
- Prenanthes proteophylla (Riddell)
- Prenanthes suavis (Salisb.)
- Prenanthes alba var. pinnatifida (Farw.)
- Prenanthes miamiensis (Riddell)
- Prenanthes alba var. ovata (Farw.)
- Prenanthes alba var. trilobata (Farw.)
- Prenanthes alba var. quercifolia (Farw.)
- Harpalyce alba ((L.) D.Don)
- Prenanthes rubicunda (Willd.)
- Chondrilla rubicunda (Poir.)
- Chondrilla alba ((L.) Lam.)
- Nabalus suavis (DC.)
Distribution
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Bruce Eash (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Bruce Eash (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Allie H (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Allie H (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 2, 2014 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Jennifer Sterling-Folker (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Jennifer Sterling-Folker (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by guinnevere lowe (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8023270)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:234055-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nabalus albus (L.) Hook.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
