Seneca Snakeroot (Senega Officinalis) is a perennial herb in the Polygalaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 2-7. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Senega officinalis is a perennial herb native to North America, known for its medicinal roots used as an expectorant.

Seneca Snakeroot

Seneca Snakeroot

Senega Officinalis

Senega officinalis is a perennial herb native to North America, known for its medicinal roots used as an expectorant.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
2-7

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, gravelly
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:medicinal herb, pollinator attractor, groundcover

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Seneca Snakeroot

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Seneca Snakeroot
Seneca Snakeroot detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Polygalaceae
Genus:Polygala