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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Width: 2-3 feet wide
Flower color: Small, fluffy white flowers in clusters
Foliage color: Dark chocolate-purple leaves in spring, maturing to a deep green with purple tones
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; cut back in late fall or early spring to encourage fresh growth
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4-8
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and pollinators

Perennials

Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate'

Chocolate White Snakeroot

Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate' is a unique cultivar known for its dark chocolate-brown foliage, which provides a rich, moody backdrop in the garden. In late summer to early fall, it produces clusters of fluffy, white flowers that sit atop the dark leaves, creating a striking contrast and bringing brightness to the garden as other plants may be winding down for the season. The small, cloud-like flowers are especially attractive to pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint

Design tip

Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.