Plant Profile: Nabalus altissimus

Rattlesnake Root is a perennial herbaceous wildflower. In spring, its leaves emerge, often characterized by deep lobes or vague spear-like shapes at their bases. The basal leaves connect to the stem via elongated stalks, somewhat reminiscent of celery. As you move up the stem, the leaves become progressively smaller, less lobed, and have shorter stalks.

This plant typically thrives in a variety of moist environments, including stream banks, wet lowland forests, bluffs, shaded ravines, swamps, seeps, and sandy woodlands. Canopy trees such as Sugar Maple, American Basswood, and American Beech are commonly found in these habitats.

Deer are particularly fond of this plant, often choosing it over other available options.