Veronicastrum virginicum is a native wildflower common to wet meadows in the eastern part of the United States. A handsome plant even before flowering, it stands up to seven feet tall with deep green leaves in groups of three to seven surrounding the upright stems in whorls like collars. The blooms are made up of hundreds of tiny white flowers on spikes that branch like candelabra. On the High Line they rise just above the matrix of grasses in the Chelsea Grasslands and draw your vision up out of the planting beds toward even taller perennials in the garden. Like so many of our native plants, Veronicastrum virginicum has medicinal uses—the plant purportedly gets its common name, Culver’s root, from a Doctor Culver, who prescribed the plant as a cathartic.
By autumm, Culver’s root is actually nearly done blooming on the High Line. The white spikes and spires fade to a deep brown, but the slender dark stalks remain strong and persistent—they provide vertical integrity among the swaying grasses as well as a foil to the much more common globe- and umbel-shaped seed heads in the garden. It’s one of the first summer blooming perennials to turn.
Veronicastrum virginicum, or Culver’s root, was chosen for planting on the High Line by Johnny Linville, High Line gardener and Manager of Horticulture. The Veronicastrum is just one part of the legacy Johnny has left us.
WHERE TO FIND THIS PLANT
On the High Line between 18th and 20th streets.
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FAQs
You can create a pocket prairie—an oasis for native birds and insects, using Culver's root and other colorful native plants such as black-eyed Susan or bee balm. Another option is to combine it with easy ornamental grasses that are native to your area.
How do you identify Culver's root? ›
Identifying Characteristics
Culver's-root is a large, showy, herbaceous perennial. Plants have erect, unbranched stems reaching 80 cm to 2 m in height. Each stem has many whorls of 3 to 7 narrow, lanceolate, to lance-ovate, somewhat stiff, finely serrate leaves that are typically hairy on their underside.
How to plant cupid culver's root? ›
How do you grow Culver's Root?
- This plant loves full sun. It can also thrive in part sun, but the showiest flowers come when it's in 6+ hours of sun a day.
- Culver's Root likes to be consistently moist. Dry gardens are challenging for this plant.
- And in a well-drained area. ...
- Culver's Root gets TALL: 2-6 feet on average!
The small seeds can be carried by the wind several feet from the mother plant. The root system has a central taproot as well as underground stems (rhizomes). General: The seed capsules are produced in large quantities within the small woody capsules.
Will Culver's root spread? ›
Culver who prescribed the plant as an effective laxative. BEHAVIOR: Perennial. When planted in areas similar to wet or mesic (well drained) prairies the plants will spread readily. It is best propagated by division since the seeds are difficult to germinate.
How tall does Culver's root grow? ›
Culver's Root is a tall plant, reaching up to six feet in height. It has finely toothed leaves that are lanceolate and occur in a whorl of 3 to 8 leaflets. The inflorescence has several wand-like flowering spikes that resemble an elegant candelabra.
Is Culvers root safe for dogs? ›
Toxicity: The root is toxic - see notes at bottom of page.
Is Culver's root drought tolerant? ›
This species will adapt to sandy, loamy or clay soils and brief periods of drought. Culver's Root is fairly pest resistant but may have some issues with root borers. Foliage is unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.
Should I deadhead Culver's root? ›
After blooming, the plant produces interesting seed heads that may be left in place to be enjoyed by birds, or deadheaded to encourage a second late-season bloom. Several cultivars are available including 'Diane', with a more compact growing habit and 'Lavender Towers' with dense purple flower spikes.
How do you transplant Culver's root? ›
The ideal season for transplanting culver's root is between early summer and late summer, as well as from late fall to early winter. Ensure a partially shaded location and well-drained soil. Use a gentle touch when handling roots to minimize stress to the plant.
Culver's Root is an adaptable, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance perennial native to moist prairies, open woods, and streambanks throughout the northeastern and central United States and southern Canada.
Do deer eat cupid culver's root? ›
Pollinators: The flowers of Veronicastrum virginicum are attractive to a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Deer and Rabbit: Foliage is unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.
How do you germinate Culvers root? ›
For spring planting, mix the Culver's root seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60-90 days before planting. Keep the soil very lightly moist until germination- do not overwater. Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established, but do not overwater.
What is the range of Culver's root? ›
Culver's root has a native range that includes the Central and Eastern United States. C Value: 8. Attracts birds or pollinators: Culver's root attracts various species of bees, butterflies, flies, moths, and wasps.
Is Culver's root endangered? ›
POPULATION STATUS: Culver's-root is listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act as Threatened.
What to plant with Veronicastrum? ›
As prairie-style plants, Veronicastrum works well with tall grasses and other perennials. Calamagrostis x acutiflora is a good choice as it grows tall and provides movement and a backdrop for your colourful Veronicastrum.
What root vegetables grow well together? ›
In addition to radishes, you can plant any root crop with other vegetables and get terrific results. Combine carrots and lettuce in a row, for example, or plant turnips with spinach, chard or lettuce. For a real smorgasbord, mix carrots, radishes and onions in one row.
What does Culvers root attract? ›
It attracts a variety of beneficial insects including bees and butterflies. In addition to being a great source of nutrition for native pollinators, Culver's root is a stately, bold plant that will add height and drama to your plantings.
Is Culver's root a host plant? ›
It is a host to the Buckey butterfly larvae and attracts many butterflies and bees. Deer and rabbit resistant.
