Snakeroot \Snake"root`\, n. (Bot.)
Any one of several plants of different genera and species,
most of which are (or were formerly) reputed to be
efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents; also, the
roots of any of these.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The Virginia snakeroot is {Aristolochia Serpentaria};
black snakeroot is {Sanicula}, esp. {Sanicula
Marilandica}, also {Cimicifuga racemosa}; Seneca
snakeroot is {Polygala Senega}; button snakeroot is
{Liatris}, also {Eryngium}; white snakeroot is
{Eupatorium ageratoides}. The name is also applied to
some others besides these.
[1913 Webster]