Veronicastrum virginicum aka Culver's Root

Taxonomy

Veronicastrum virginicum, also known as Culver's root, is a tall herbaceous perennial that is native to the eastern United States and south-eastern Canada. This plant belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, and can grow up to 200 cm (79 in) tall and 45 cm (18 in) wide. In the summer, it produces slender racemes of white, pink, or purple flowers that are a magnet for bees and other pollinators. One popular cultivar, Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’, bears elegant racemes of lilac-blue flowers that are excellent for cutting and adding long-lasting color to the back of a border. Culver's Root can be found in open woods, moist meadows, and prairies, and prefers average to wet soil. Its flower spikes open from the top down, beginning in late spring. To encourage possible rebloom in the fall, cut the spent flowers to the rosette. Overall, Veronicastrum virginicum is a beautiful and beneficial plant for any garden or natural area.

Common names

Culver's Root, Bowman's Root, Tall Speedwell

How to care for Culver's Root

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Culver's Root is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Culver's Root should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Culver's Root loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Culver's Root requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Bowman's Root is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Culver's Root has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Culver's Root as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Culver's Root’s native range is Eastern N. America - Ontario to Manitoba, south to Massachusetts, Alabama and Texas.


More info:
Wikipedia