Plant of the Weekend: CULVER'S ROOT
Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum) provides the unexpected combination of strong structure and gentle airiness to the landscape. The spikes of blooms are arranged in a candelabra shape and emerge from tidy foliage arranged in whorls around the length of sturdy stems. Culver’s root reaches 6 feet including the blooms which reach to 9 inches and last from July through late summer. At LurieGarden we grow Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Diane’ a cultivar that attracts a variety of insects, including our honeybees. The elegant spikes, resembling tapered candles, hold numerous individual flowers that produce nectar and pollen in abundance.
Each white to pale pink flower has yellow stamens that play with the sunlight. In the August light the spikes of blooms seem to glow from within. Culver’s root is native to the Illinois tall grass prairie and has significance in American history. Chippewa Indians used this plant to stop nosebleeds. Cherokee, Seneca, and Menomini Indians made a tea of the roots for use as a powerful emetic. The common name for this plant comes from Dr. Culver, a physician in the 18thcentury who made the use of this plant widely popular in medicine at that time. This plant is not commonly used today because it is difficult to control for its strong potency. Closely related to digitalis, this plant can be harmful when injested. In fact, Cotton Mather’s child died of Culver’s root poisoning when she was treated with Veronicastrum for a simple ailment. Culver’s root is blooming now in prairie restorations alongside yellow coneflower (Ratibida), wild quinine and butterfly weed. It will continue to bloom through August. This beautifully structural plant will provide winter interest to the garden. At Lurie Garden you can enjoy this plant in a variety of perennial combinations throughout the Light and Dark Plates.
Try dividing this long-lived plant every 3 to 4 years in spring to assure reliable blooming, but remember that Culver’s root is late to emerge in spring. There is no need to pinch this plant back. Veronicastrum doesn’t tend to flop, and the cultivar ‘Diane’ rarely flops. No need for staking! Also, this plant can tolerate clay soils. Only minimal watering is required and there are no known disease issues. Fertilizer is unnecessary to achieve these tall blooms. Enjoy Culver’s root for a structural plant that can add rhythm to your design along with lightness.
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Diane'
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