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Culver’s Root

Veronicastrum virginicum

Unique candelabra-shaped spikes and attractive foliage; a good rain garden plant

 

$3.00$487.00

For quantity discount pricing, request a quote.

Description

Veronicastrum virginicum, commonly called Culver’s root, is a Missouri native perennial forb (wildflower). It prefers open woods, thickets and moist meadows and prairies. Blooms are white to pale blue and open from the top down in late spring to early summer.

Its toxic properties led to its use as a medicinal plant for Native Americans and pioneers. The Cherokee used it as a tea for backaches, fever, typhus, and other ailments, while the Seneca used it as a laxative, and the Menomini used it to purge the body of evil spirits.

Wildlife notes

Long and short-tongued bees, which collect pollen or suck nectar visit this plant frequently. Other pollinators include honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees, Green Metallic bees, Masked bees, and others. Other kinds of insect visitors include butterflies, moths, and Syrphid flies. Culver’s Root doesn’t appear to be bothered by leaf-chewing insects and is deer resistant. Birds are not interested in the tiny seeds.

Forage notes

No information available at this time. Please let us know if you have personal experience with this plant!

Landscaping notes

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade (and appreciates some afternoon shade in the deep South) but tends to flop and require support if grown in too much shade. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. Garden establishment can take several years. Deadhead spent racemes to extend bloom period.  Tall flower spikes provide a strong accent and good vertical height for borders, cottage gardens or wild gardens.

Restoration notes

Culver’s root occurs in moist to mesic black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings and edges of woodlands, thickets, savannas, and swampy meadows along rivers and ditches. This plant is not often seen in highly disturbed habitats.

Additional information

Weight N/A
Unit

Packet, Ounce, Pound

Light

Full Sun

Seeding Rate

2 bulk lbs/acre

Soils

Moist, Wet

Height

48"-60"

Bloom Month

Jul, Aug, Sep

Color

White

Specialty Uses

Landscaping, Medicinal

# seeds/pkt

200

Packet coverage area

5 sq ft.

Life Cycle

Perennial

What is PLS?

Pure Live Seed (PLS) is the portion of good viable seed per pound. It is a measure of the seed that is alive and able to sprout into plants. This product is sold by PLS ounce/pound. To provide one ounce/pound of viable seed, you will receive more than one ounce/pound of product. Read more about PLS here.