Prenanthes alba, Lion's Foot


Prenanthes alba, Lions Foot
Lion's Foot in flower.

Prenanthes alba, Lion's Foot (aka White Rattlesnake-root), is so named for the shape of its leaf. This short-lived perennial plant can be found in savanna and woodland settings, growing throughout several wooded ecotypes of Minnesota. I've seen it growing in oak-shaded areas in Hennepin County woods as well as atop the rocky-cliffs of southeastern Minnesota. A very unusual aster family species most haven't seen or heard about. This one takes a number of years to flower.

Bloom: white-rose color, August into September

Height: 2 to 3 feet.

Conditions: part sun to shade, upland, medium-moist to medium-dry soils