Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Culver's Root
Veronicastrum virginicum
[C-value
7]
Snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae)
Blooms July -
August
The native Culver's Root is fairly common in our area. It prefers full or partial sun and moist to average conditions. This perennial plant is up to 5' tall and unbranched, except near the inflorescence. Scattered along its round and smooth central stem are 3-7 whorled toothed leaves up to 6" long and 1½" across. At the plant apex are several slender spikes of white flowers up to 8" long, resembling a candelabra. The flowers are crowded around each spike, blooming from the bottom up. Each narrow tubular flower is about ¼" long, from which 2 yellow or brown stamens are exerted.
Culver's Root at Harris Forest Preserve July 7, 2016
Culver's Root at University of Illinois Extension garden July 2, 2015
Culver's Root at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve July 20, 2019
Culver's Root at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve July 20, 2019
Culver's Root foliage at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve July 20, 2019
Native Americans prized Culvers Root as a laxative. It was also used to treat venereal disease. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice.
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