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 |
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