Veronicastrum virginicum – Culver’s Root; Beaumont’s Root

General Information: A native of fields, prairies, and moist woods in the Central and Eastern US and Southern Canada. Also known as Beaumont’s Root or Bowman’s Root, the plant’s perennial unbranched stalks of whorled leaves emerge in Spring, followed by branching white flower spikes from June – September. Our ecotype has white flowers, however purple cultivars also exist. Culver’s Root is of particular importance in New England where prairie ecosystems are rare. Few natural occurrences of the plant remain in New England. The plant particularly enjoys open areas with cooler Summers, or alternatively, areas that are shaded from the scorching heat of the direct Summer sun. There are traditional medicinal uses for Culver’s Root as well.

Cultivation Details: Culver’s Root is well-liked by pollinating insects in Eastern and Central N. America and is particularly useful when planted near Raspberries, Blackberries, or other fruit-bearing plants that flower at the same time of year. This plant prefers a shaded area during the first few months of growth, but full sun during flowering; making it an excellent addition to garden edges, field margins, and mature polyculture designs. Culver’s Root thrives when planted along with shorter plants and ground covers. A dense layer of leaf mulch also enables these plants to thrive when planted on their own.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Plants thrive best in partial shade if they are able to receive a few hours of direct sunlight at some point in the year before flowering; i.e. forest or field edges. Tolerant of most soil types. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.