Hammock Snakeroot - Ageratina jucunda

Hammock snakeroot (Ageratina jucunda) is a common perennial wildflower native to open xeric to mesic woodlands throughout Florida except for the western Panhandle region.  It often is found in partly shady locations, but tolerates high sunlight. Its stems die back to the ground in late winter and it begins sending its 2-3 foot stems upwards in spring.  These stems are glabrous while the arrow-shaped leaves are opposite on the stem. Each leaf is 1-1 1/2 inches long and noticeably toothed.  

Flowering occurs in the fall and lasts until early winter, They are arranged in small individual heads that are further arranged in an almost-corymblike structure.  The flowers are bright white in color and quite attractive at their peak. Hammock snakeroot also attracts the attention of a great many pollinators at this time.  

Although this plant is quite adaptable and has great value to a pollinator garden, it is only offered sporadically by nurseries affiliated with FANN - the Florida Association of Native Nurseries.  It is easy to propagate from seed, however. Scatter it just below the soil surface. Once established, it often self-sows in the landscape.