Senega Snakeroot

Scientific name

Polygala senega

Description

Senega Snakeroot is a perennial plant that typically grows between 15 and 30 cm. The leaves are green to yellow in colour, arranged alternately along the stem, and are variable in size. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate shaped, whitish-green coloured, have a prominent center vein, and have smooth to finely serrated margins. The flowers are greenish-white, arranged in a cone-shaped raceme, and flower between June and July. The snake-like roots are greyish-brown and have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes.

Planting conditions

Senega Snakeroot grows best in normal to moist conditions and prefers full or partial sun. It prefers rich, well-drained soils and can grow in thin, rocky soils, loam, clay-loam, and sand. Senega Snakeroot is often associated with sites containing calcareous gravel or bedrock. This plant naturally grows in disturbed areas, open woodlands, and along stream banks.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 15-30 cm
• Spread:
  • 20 cm