Pronounced (approximate): poh-LIG-uh-luh SEN-eh-guh
Narrow spikes of small whitish flowers top the leafy stems. Explore the photographs below, from close details to the plant in its surroundings.
Seneca Snakeroot (Polygala senega): close view of a white flower spike. Tap to browse the photo gallery.
Other common names Seneca Milkwort
Family Polygalaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms Late spring–early summer
Height About 1–1¾ feet
Habitat Prairies, savannas, open woods, and rocky slopes
Bloom dates and size vary with region and growing conditions. Native status refers to North America.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Prairies, savannas, open woods, and rocky slopes. Look for flowers in late spring–early summer; timing varies locally.
Also treated as Senega officinalis in newer classifications. Despite the shared common-name ending, it is different from White Snakeroot. In the mixed habitat photos, the white spikes are Seneca Snakeroot and the pink flower clusters are Prairie Phlox.
Narrow spikes of small whitish flowers top the leafy stems.
Simple, alternate leaves are lance-shaped.
Several upright stems may grow together in a small clump.
Browse 21 photographs. Tap any image to enlarge it; use Load more photos for additional views.
Central and eastern North America, extending into parts of the Great Plains.
Documented in these states: AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Seneca Snakeroot, then explore other flowers in the guide.
Original photographs: Where’s Wildlife. Identification and distribution references:
References checked October 2026. Botanical Latin pronunciations are approximate.