Common Name: Culver's Root

General Information

Veronicastrum virginicum is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from a central taproot with rhizomes; it forms a cluster of stems 90 - 180cm tall[].
The plant was often used medicinally by native N. American people and is sometimes used in modern herbalism, being harvested from the wild. It is grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its season of flowering in late summer and early autumn.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern and central N. America - Manitoba to Ontario and Maine, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Moist to wet meadows, rich woods, thickets and prairies[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Veronicastrum virginicum is hardy to at least -20°c[].
Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil[]. Prefers cool summers[]. Prefers a sunny position, though it tolerates light shade[, ].
The plant grows slowly for the first year after transplanting, but then usually recovers in the second growing season, though it can take several years to become fully established[, ].
Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Beaumont's root was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[]. It is still occasionally used in modern herbalism, mainly for its effect upon the liver and bile production.
Some caution is advised, the plant is potentially toxic[].

The root is anodyne, cathartic, emetic, hepatic, laxative and tonic[, , , , , ]. The fresh root is a violent cathartic and possibly emetic, the dried root is milder in its action, but less certain[]. The root also gently excites the liver and increases the flow of bile[, ]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, coughs, chills and fevers, and also to ease the pain of backaches[].
A tea made from the roots is strongly laxative[, ].
The roots are harvested in the autumn and should be stored for at least a year before use[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame in a sunny position[, ]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Stored seed should be stratified before sowing by mixing it with wet sand or peat moss then sealing it in a container or plastic bag and storing it for around 90 days at 3 - 5°c[].
Division in autumn or spring[]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.