Virginia Snakeroot

Virginia Snakeroot

Virginia snakeroot is a perennial plant native to the rich, dry woods of the eastern United States. Its fibrous, horizontal rootstock produces many thin roots, as well as a wavy stem that reaches 1 to 3 feet in height. The alternate thin, green leaves are oval, and heart-shaped, tapering gradually to a point at the apex. A few solitary purple flowers, with an S-shaped calyx, inflated at both ends, bloom on short, scaly branches near the bottom of the plant during May and July. The entire plant has a distinct smell similar to turpentine. [RA] {TE}