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Of the milkwort family (Polygalaceae), the Seneca snakeroot or Polygala Senega.

Seneca Snakeroot

Of the milkwort family (Polygalaceae), the Seneca snakeroot or Polygala Senega.

"<i>Polygala senega</i> of eastern North America. It sends up several stems from hard knotty root-stocks, bearing single close racemes of white flowers. It is the source of the officinal senegaroot, and from being much gathered is said to have become scarce in the east." &mdash;Whitney, 1889 <p>This illustration shows the knotty roots and the lower portion of the stem.

Seneca Snakeroot - Roots and Base of the Stem

"Polygala senega of eastern North America. It sends up several stems from hard knotty root-stocks, bearing…

"<i>Polygala senega</i> of eastern North America. It sends up several stems from hard knotty root-stocks, bearing single close racemes of white flowers." &mdash;Whitney, 1889 <p>This illustration includes the upper portion of the stem and the flowers.

Seneca Snakeroot - Stem and Flowers

"Polygala senega of eastern North America. It sends up several stems from hard knotty root-stocks, bearing…

"<i>Polygala senega</i> of eastern North America. It sends up several stems from hard knotty root-stocks, bearing single close racemes of white flowers. It is the source of the officinal senegaroot, and from being much gathered is said to have become scarce in the east." &mdash;Whitney, 1889 <p>This illustration is of the fruit of the plant.

Seneca Snakeroot - the Fruit

"Polygala senega of eastern North America. It sends up several stems from hard knotty root-stocks, bearing…