Tall Rattlesnakeroot
Nabalus altissimus
(formerly Prenanthes altissima)

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus) Other common names: Tall White Lettuce, Tall White Rattlesnakeroot

Other scientific names: Prenanthes altissima

French names: Prenanthe élevée

Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae)

Group: Lettuces, Prenanthes/Nabalus

Similar species:
  •   White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

  •   Three-leaved Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus trifoliolatus)

  •   Glaucous Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus racemosus)


Flowers: Summer;  White, Green/Brown;  5 parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate, Simple, Toothed

Habitat: Forests

Grows in Sun/Shade: Shade

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 212   

Native/Non-native: Native

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: altissima: tall


For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers

Photographs: 119 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

Tall Rattlesnakeroot flower and flower buds.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

Tall Rattlesnakeroot flowers are greenish-white.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

Ripe Tall Rattlesnakeroot seeds dispersing.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

The laves of Tall Rattlesnakeroot are highly variable, as with most Prenanthes/Nabalus.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

More Tall Rattlesnakeroot leaves.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

A less typical shape is shown here.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

And sometimes a triangle.

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

It is best to not try to identify Prenanthes/Nabalus by their leaves!

Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)

An entire Tall Rattlesnakeroot plant.

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