Prenanthes alba, commonly known as Lion’s Foot, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, forest edges, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It prefers rich, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, making it well-suited for natural woodland gardens and understory restoration projects.
This plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features slender, sometimes zigzagging stems with alternate, variable leaves that are often lobed or toothed. From late summer into early fall, it produces nodding clusters of narrow, bell-shaped white flowers with slightly twisted petals. These delicate blooms attract native bees and other late-season pollinators and are followed by fluffy seed heads similar to dandelions.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Prenanthes alba is a graceful and ecologically valuable choice for shaded, moist native plantings. It adds subtle beauty and vertical interest to woodland settings and helps support pollinators when many other woodland flowers have finished blooming. It pairs well with companions like Zigzag Goldenrod, White Wood Aster, and Woodland Phlox for a diverse and naturalistic woodland planting.
Prenanthes alba, commonly known as Lion’s Foot, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, forest edges, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It prefers rich, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, making it well-suited for natural woodland gardens and understory restoration projects.
This plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features slender, sometimes zigzagging stems with alternate, variable leaves that are often lobed or toothed. From late summer into early fall, it produces nodding clusters of narrow, bell-shaped white flowers with slightly twisted petals. These delicate blooms attract native bees and other late-season pollinators and are followed by fluffy seed heads similar to dandelions.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Prenanthes alba is a graceful and ecologically valuable choice for shaded, moist native plantings. It adds subtle beauty and vertical interest to woodland settings and helps support pollinators when many other woodland flowers have finished blooming. It pairs well with companions like Zigzag Goldenrod, White Wood Aster, and Woodland Phlox for a diverse and naturalistic woodland planting.
Bloom: late summer to fall
Habitats: bluffs; rich mesic woodlands; rocky ravines and cliff bases in wooded areas; sandy woodlands; stabilized sand dunes with scattered trees; wooded slopes; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: average
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 5 feet)
Requirements: light shade to dappled sunlight
Soil: fertile loamy soil
