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Bruso, George H.
Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw.
Culver's root
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonyms: Veronica virginica
USDA Symbol: VEVI4
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
The unbranched stems of Culver’s-root grow 2-6 ft. tall and are topped by several spikes of densely-clustered, tiny, white flowers. The total effect is candelabra-like. Narrowly oval, dark-green leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem. The common name was to honour Dr. Culver who prescribed the plant as an effective laxative. (Lamb/Rhynard) Dense, narrow, cylindrical, spike-like clusters of small, white, tubular flowers are at the top of an erect stem over whorled leaves.
The genus name, a combination of Veronica and the suffix astrum (false), describes this plants resemblance to the Veronicas. It is the only species in the genus. It can be grown easily in wildflower gardens. The root contains a powerful emetic and cathartic.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , BlueBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: MB , ON
Native Distribution: VT to Ont., s. to GA, LA & OK
Native Habitat: Moist prairies; woods; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Very adaptable in the garden; try it at the woodland edge.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Butterflies, BeesUse Medicinal: The root contains a powerful emetic and cathartic. (Niering)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Most easily propagated by root divisions in late fall or early spring. Each rootstock segment must have a bud. Sow seeds in fall or provide cold stratification. Also propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring.Seed Collection: Seeds can be allowed to dry out before sowing.
Seed Treatment: Seeds of this species require or benefit from a three month period of cold-moist stratification. Seeds require light to germinate.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
Ohio Prairie Nursery - Hiram, OH
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, The - Valhalla, NY
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Longwood Gardens - Newark, DE
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleBibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 1262 - Plants of Carolinian Canada (1994) Lamb, Larry and Gail Rhynard
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1996 VOL. 13, NO.4 - The Worth of a Native Plant, Pros and Cons of Using Rare Native Plants, Educatio...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Veronicastrum virginicum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Veronicastrum virginicum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Veronicastrum virginicum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-12-09Research By: TWC Staff
