Veronicastrum virginicum – Culver’s Root

Culver’s Root brings a strongly upright architectural presence to the garden, with its candelabra spikes of flowers. It rarely requires staking unless grown in too much shade. Long-lived and care-free, though it will pout if grown in too dry of a location. The common name derives from the use of the plant as an emetic, perhaps prescribed by an 18th-century doctor by the name of Culver. Combine with Joe-Pye Weed, Turtlehead, Ironweed, Beebalm and other lovers of moist, sunny habitats. Common in mid-western prairies, but also native to our area – we don’t see it much though and we’re looking for local seed sources – if you have the plant growing wild on your property and would be interested in sharing seeds, please let us know.