Prenanthes racemosa

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Prenanthes Racemosa 2 Prenanthes Racemosa Prenanthes Racemosa 1
Prenanthes Racemosa 2 Prenanthes Racemosa Prenanthes Racemosa 1

Prenanthes racemosa

Common Name: Glaucous White Lettuce

Glaucous White Lettuce, also known as Purple Rattlesnake-root, is a tall, slender perennial that grows 1 to 5 feet in height, with tight clusters of short-stalked pinkish flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. The foliage is bluish-green (glaucous), with deeply lobed leaves that add texture to shaded landscapes. It thrives in average to moist prairies, meadows or along streambanks, where it supports native pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. This species is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded native plantings, and naturalized forest edges.

Characteristics

Type Forb
Sun Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture Dry, Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches) 30
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches) 20
Bloom month(s) August, September, October
Bloom Color or Type Pink
Dominance Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

For most homeowners, the recommended method is to hand-broadcast seed at a minimum rate of 16–64 PLS (Pure Live Seed) ounces per acre. To ensure even coverage, broadcast the seed in perpendicular passes across the site. Grass seed should be broadcast first and lightly raked into the soil. Afterward, apply a light mulch layer using clean, seed-free straw or, preferably, our native Little Bluestem straw, available at our retail garden centers. Once mulching is complete, broadcast native wildflower seed over the area without raking it in. A good rainfall or thorough watering will provide sufficient soil contact for successful germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.