Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's Root

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Veronicastrum virginicum visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website. Threatened - in New York and Massachusetts Endangered - in Vermont
Tall white spiky flowers of Veronicastrum virginicum look like hands with lots of fingers.
Veronicastrum virginicum
A large patch of Culver's Root growing on the hill in Dahlin's backyard.
Roger Dahlin - Garden on the hill

Cultivation Information Culver's Root

Height - 5 ft Flower Color - White Blooms - June through August Sun - Full sun, part sun Soil - Moist, loamy - USDA Zone - 3 to 8 pH - 5.0 to 6.0 Family – Scrophulariaceae (Snapdragon) Regarding Partly Sunny Spots - It flowers and does well but tends to bend and twist as it reaches around and towards the sun. A large patch stretching for a tad more sunlight creates the illusion that the ground is uneven or the house behind the garden is leaning. The above picture is growing on a hill in the middle of a sunny garden. As you can see the plants are straight and tall. Restoration - There is no doubt that Veronicastrum virginicum is an aesthetically pleasing addition to a garden design. However, don't overlook the fact that native plants growing along the banks of river or retention pond assist with both filtering and slowing the rate of run off.
Culver's Root and Purple Coneflowers.
Culver's Root and Purple Coneflowers by Lifestyle Landscaping

Wildlife Significance Culver's Root


Pollen - Green Sweat Bees. Long-Horned Bees, bumblebees, honeybees, Mason bees, Masked bees and Syrphid flies
Nectar - Leafcutter bees, Sweatbees, Yellow-Faced Bees, Syrphid flies moths and butterflies including: Red Admiral, Azure and Eastern Tailed Blue
Host Plant - Culver's Root Borer Moth
For detailed information visit the Illinois Wildflower site
Propagation Notes Culver's Root
Seed Stratification
Cold/Moist - I stratifying seeds for 60 days Our house temperature of 65°F produces excellent germination rates. Culver's Root seed does require light in order for germination to occur, with that in mind be careful not to cover seed with potting soil. Fall Sowing - This is the easiest method. Seedlings grow stronger and sturdier when they are provided with a simple cold frame covering. Growth Rate - Growth Rate - Very slow - Culver's root was started in February 2015 at the same time as other seedlings. Although, I had hundreds of sprouts they are considerably smaller then I would have expected. Over the years I have learned to wait until night and day time temperature are closer to 70°F before planting. Collect seed - Late in the fall, when it is brown and easily released from the flower stalk. Lean dried stem into a paper bag without breaking it. Start at the top and work your way down, loosening the seed as you go. I wear gloves, as the seeds are coarse. Only harvest what you need, I suspect that squirrels, chipmunks and birds will appreciate your generosity.
Veronicastrum virginicum red sprouts are easy to identify in the spring
Red growth in the spring
Culver's Root - seedlings have red veins and the leaves are fuzzy. A quarter is in the picture as a reference.
Young seedlings
Seed Provenance Veronicastrum virginicum
Nodding Onion Gardens - 2017 to present - Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN - 2015