Asteraceae
Prenanthes alata

Western Rattlenake Root

Erect. Stems with milky sap, often branched upper section. Leaves mostly on stem, arrow-shaped, with irregular pointed teeth; petiole with flat wing. Flowers in wide cluster at stem top, not in elongated spike, often nodding. Flower head about 1 in. across, white to pink or lavender, with 10–15 ray flowers; extended long, stiff, brown bristles occur as seed develops. Grows in moist open forests, streambanks, rocky beaches. Prenanthes is Greek and means "drooping flower." Alata, which means "protruding ridges wider than thick," refers to the winged leaf stalks.

  • Rarity: Common
  • Flowering Time: Late Summer-Autumn
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 6--18 inches
  • Habitat: West-Side Forest, Coastal
  • Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np
  • Native: Yes

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