Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Explore the unique charm of Aristolochia serpentaria, commonly known as Virginia Snakeroot, a captivating herbaceous perennial native to the eastern and central USA. Part of the pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae), this intriguing plant thrives in the dappled light of dry to moist forests, adding a touch of woodland magic to your garden. Its name derives from Greek, combining "aristos" (best) and "locheia" (childbirth), a nod to the fascinating resemblance of its flower buds to a human fetus.

Virginia Snakeroot prefers well-drained, moist, humus-rich soils and spreads through robust rhizomes, making it an excellent choice for ground cover in shady gardens. Reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet, this plant gracefully sprawls along the forest floor, offering variation in leaf size, shape, and texture. Despite its non-climbing nature, it shares its charming floral lineage with wooly pipevine and pipevine, although on a more delicate scale.

Ideal for shady pollinator, native plant, or woodland gardens, Virginia Snakeroot also serves as a vital food source for the larvae of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. By incorporating this diverse and unusual plant into your landscape, you're not only enhancing its beauty but also playing a part in the lifecycle of these stunning butterflies.