Nabalus alatus aka Western Or Wing Leaved Rattlesnakeroot
Taxonomy ID: 14871
Nabalus alatus, commonly known as western rattlesnakeroot or western white lettuce, is a herbaceous perennial wildflower native to the Pacific Northwest and western North America. This species belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is characterized by its distinctive winged leaf stalks that give it its specific epithet "alatus" meaning winged.
The plant grows as a single-stemmed perennial from a slender to thickened, tuberous taproot and produces a milky latex when cut, a characteristic common to many members of its tribe (Cichorieae). Plants typically reach heights of 15 to 80 centimeters (0.5 to 2.6 feet), with stems that are erect or ascending, green to purple in color, usually simple and unbranched. The stems are glabrous (smooth) on the lower portions but become finely woolly-hairy (tomentulose) in the flowering region.
The leaves are alternate and thin-textured, with the lower leaves featuring distinctive wing-margined petioles (leaf stalks) measuring 2 to 6 centimeters long. The leaf blades are triangular to irregularly elliptic, ranging from 3 to 25 centimeters long and 1 to 11 centimeters wide. The blade bases are abruptly constricted, truncate to slightly hastate (arrowhead-shaped), with irregularly toothed or coarsely serrated margins. Upper leaves become progressively smaller and narrower, tapering to a sessile or short-stalked base.
The inflorescence is open and flat-topped (corymbiform) with several flower heads. Each head contains 10 to 15 florets, all of which are ligulate (ray-type) with white to purplish corollas. The involucre (whorl of bracts surrounding the flower head) is 10 to 13 millimeters high with approximately 8 principal bracts. The fruit is an elongate, cylindrical, glabrous achene topped with numerous off-white capillary bristles (pappus) that aid in wind dispersal.
Nabalus alatus grows naturally along streambanks, forest edges, and in moist, shaded places from lowland elevations to middle mountain elevations. Its native range extends from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska southward through British Columbia and Alberta to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The species flowers from July through September and is pollinated primarily by insects including bees, flies, beetles, and wasps.
Like other rattlesnakeroot species, Nabalus alatus has historical ethnobotanical significance. The common name "rattlesnakeroot" derives from traditional Native American uses of related species' roots as remedies for snakebite, though the effectiveness of such treatments has not been scientifically validated.
Common names
Western Or Wing Leaved Rattlesnakeroot, White Or Western White Lettuce, Western Rattlesnakeroot, Western White Lettuce, White Lettuce, Wing Leaved RattlesnakerootMore information about Western Or Wing Leaved Rattlesnakeroot
Where is Nabalus alatus native to?
Nabalus alatus is native to northwestern North America, with a range spanning from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska southward through British Columbia and Alberta to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. It grows primarily in the temperate biome, occurring west of the Cascade crest and east in the Columbia River Gorge. The species thrives from lowland elevations to middle elevations in the mountains.
How big does Nabalus alatus grow?
Nabalus alatus is a moderately-sized herbaceous perennial that typically grows 15 to 80 centimeters (6 to 31 inches) tall. The plant grows as a single erect or ascending stem from a slender to tuberous taproot. Its growth form is generally simple and unbranched, with the stem becoming somewhat woolly in the flowering region while remaining smooth below.
When and how does Nabalus alatus flower?
Nabalus alatus blooms from July through September, producing open, flat-topped flower clusters (corymbiform inflorescence) with several flower heads. Each head contains 10 to 15 individual florets with white to purplish ligulate (strap-shaped) corollas. The involucre is 10-13 mm high with about 8 principal bracts. After flowering, the plant produces elongate, cylindrical achenes topped with numerous off-white capillary bristles (pappus) for wind dispersal.
How is Nabalus alatus pollinated?
Nabalus alatus is pollinated by a variety of insects including bees, flies, beetles, and wasps. Like many members of the Asteraceae family, its ligulate (ray-type) florets provide accessible nectar and pollen rewards to visiting pollinators. The white to purplish flower color helps attract a diverse range of insect pollinators in its forest edge and streambank habitats.
Can Nabalus alatus be grown outdoors?
Nabalus alatus is exclusively an outdoor plant suited to gardens in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7. It naturally grows along streambanks, forest edges, and moist, shaded places from lowland to middle mountain elevations. For successful cultivation, provide partial to full shade, consistently moist but well-drained humus-rich soil, and protection from hot afternoon sun. This native wildflower is best suited to woodland gardens, naturalized areas, or rain gardens where its specific moisture and shade requirements can be met.
What soil does Nabalus alatus need?
Nabalus alatus thrives in moist, humus-rich soil that is well-drained but retains consistent moisture. The ideal soil type is medium loamy, mimicking the forest floor and streambank conditions of its native habitat. The species prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (approximately 6.0-7.0). Amending garden soil with compost or leaf mold can help recreate the organic-rich conditions this plant requires.
What light does Nabalus alatus need?
Nabalus alatus grows best in partial shade to full shade conditions, consistent with its native habitat at forest edges and in shaded streamside areas. It tolerates dappled sunlight filtering through trees but should be protected from intense direct sun, especially hot afternoon sun. In garden settings, plant it where it receives morning light or consistent filtered shade throughout the day.
How do you propagate Nabalus alatus?
Nabalus alatus can be propagated from seed. Collect seeds from mature plants in fall after the fluffy pappus develops on the achenes. Sow seeds on the surface of a moist seed-starting mix in spring, as they require light for germination. For best results, allow seeds to undergo natural cold stratification over winter by sowing outdoors in fall. Transplant seedlings to their permanent positions after the last frost when they are large enough to handle.
How difficult is Nabalus alatus to grow?
Nabalus alatus is moderately challenging to cultivate because it requires specific growing conditions that mimic its native woodland and streambank habitat. Success depends on providing consistent moisture, shade, and cool temperatures. This species is not commonly available commercially and is best suited to experienced gardeners with shaded, moist areas in Pacific Northwest or similar climates. It is not suitable as a houseplant or for hot, dry conditions.
Does Nabalus alatus have medicinal uses?
Nabalus alatus belongs to the rattlesnakeroot group, named for the traditional Native American practice of using the roots of these plants to treat snakebites. While scientific evidence for effectiveness against snakebite is lacking, related species have documented traditional uses. The Iroquois applied root poultices to rattlesnake bites, and root tea was used for weakness and digestive complaints. The milky latex characteristic of the genus was sometimes consumed medicinally. These uses are primarily of historical and ethnobotanical interest.
How does Nabalus alatus change through the seasons?
Nabalus alatus emerges in spring from its tuberous taproot, developing its characteristic triangular, wing-stalked leaves. Vegetative growth continues through early summer. The plant flowers from July through September, producing white to purplish blooms that attract various pollinators. After flowering, seeds with feathery pappus develop and disperse by wind. The above-ground portions die back in fall, with the perennial root system overwintering underground to regenerate the following spring.
What are the water needs for Western Or Wing Leaved Rattlesnakeroot
