Virginia Snakeroot
Endodeca serpentaria
Summary 4
Aristolochia serpentaria is a small, herbaceous woodland plant commonly known as Virginia snakeroot. It is native to much of eastern North America.
Its leaves are elongated and heart-shaped, with a wedge-shaped leaf base. The entire plant is no more than a foot or so high, with a noticeably zig-zagged stem.
The flowers of Virginia snakeroot are small and hidden, rarely noticed when they bloom in the summer.
Wildlife Interactions 4
Although this plant often goes unnoticed, it is an important species. Virginia snakeroot serves as the only host plant in the Preserve for the Pipevine Swallowtail, a common butterfly.
Similar Species 4
Virginia snakeroot may be mistaken for several other heart-leaved woodland plants when not in bloom, like Short's aster. Look for smooth leaf edges, a wedge-shaped leaf base, and a dramatic, zig-zag stem to be sure of its identity.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Patrick Coin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/42264328@N00/2530452523
- (c) Fritz Flohr Reynolds, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Endodeca_serpentaria_(15061211598).jpg
- (c) Matthew Herron, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Matthew Herron
- (c) The Preserve at Shaker Village, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
More Info
iNat Map
| Blooms in | summer |
|---|---|
| Color | green, maroon, purple, red |
| Habitat | Forest |
| Status | native |
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