Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus) vs. Three-leaved Rattlesnake Root (Nabalus trifoliolatus)

These two species are visually similar and frequently confused. They can be distinguished by flowers, lower leaf shape, and with some effort, by seeds. N. altissimus ranges much farther west, farther north, and slightly farther south, and prefers richer, shadier habitats. N. trifoliatus extends farther east (closer to the coast) in the central portions of its range, prefers sunnier habitats and tolerates more soil acidity and some salinity.

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