Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Veronicastrum |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae (Plantain) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, sun; fields, prairies, edges of woods |
| Bloom season: | June - August |
| Plant height: | 3 to 6 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FAC MW: FAC NCNE: FAC |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/veronicastrum-virginicum-003.jpg)
Spike cluster up to 10 inches long densely packed with 4-parted white tubular flowers, each about ¼ inch long with 2 yellow or reddish brown-tipped stamens. The flowers bloom from the bottom of the spike up. Several spikes surround the main spike at the top of the plant.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/culvers-root-0704_100109.jpg)
Leaves are whorled in groups of 3 to 7, with 4 or 5 most common. Each leaf is up to 8 inches long and 1½ inches wide with sharp, fine teeth, tapering to a point at both ends, with little or no leaf stalk. The underside of the leaves is hairy. The main stem is smooth and round.
Notes:
Like a number of other species formerly in the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) family, Veronicastrum has been reassigned to Plantaginaceae (Plantain).
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More photos
Culver's Root plant
more plants
more flowersPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Long Lake Regional Park, Ramsey County. Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Anoka County.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2009-12-24 21:55:01
Saw these along a ditch in early July 2009. On Hy 27 from Little Falls to Long Prairie.
on: 2011-08-15 15:57:52
Growing on our property...
on: 2012-06-23 23:23:24
I have 2 large bunchs of culvers root growing on my native prairie north and west of Morgan Mn.
on: 2012-07-01 09:01:49
Some are just starting to open along the soccer side of the creek.
on: 2014-08-10 11:02:51
Culver's Root now blooming in all the ditches with sun flowers, both creeping and tall bell flower, cup plant, and wild bergamot!
on: 2017-07-26 16:24:39
I found a PINK Culvers Root...how often does that happen...took photos.
on: 2018-07-04 21:38:04
We bought plants in a Rain garden mix from the Rice County Soil and Watwe Conservation District in 2017. Three survived and are just starting to bloom this week, July 4, 2018.
on: 2018-07-21 16:43:14
These are blooming right now at Quarry Hill, in the Oak Savannah area!
on: 2018-07-29 14:38:37
One white Culver's Root is blooming along the Afton State Park woodland trail that parallels the St. Croix River. There is a surprising amount of bright shade, but the plant appears to be doing well.
on: 2018-07-29 18:32:17
White Culver's Root is blooming here and there along the Cannon River Bike Trail -- between Welch and Red Wing.
on: 2019-07-04 08:34:43
I have a colony in my perennial garden that has spread like mad.
on: 2019-08-02 15:15:56
Saw a plant blooming along the northern section of the Mississippi River Regional Trail that runs through the park.
on: 2019-08-03 14:50:41
Nice little clump was just starting to bloom in a prairie restoration, Maplewood S.P. Covered in Bumblebees and other native pollinators.
on: 2021-07-05 11:47:30
Along Ikola Rd at East St. Louis River Rd between road and RR tracks.
on: 2021-07-15 10:50:39
Culver's Root is growing in the ditch close to Mahnomen.
on: 2021-07-22 19:07:56
growing wild in the field and blooming on 7/22/2021
on: 2021-07-25 08:40:02
Growing on slopes by Fish Lake. Blooming and has hummingbirds and bumble bees nectaring on them.
on: 2021-07-25 13:23:57
I have several plants on south facing hill next to the house in three different clusters. They are like white candles standing on a green table cloth.
on: 2022-07-25 11:43:29
A couple Culver's root in bloom growing wild along Quaking Bog walking trails in Theodore Wirth Park.
on: 2022-08-25 10:50:33
Several plants currently blooming at Dunton Locks, Detroit Lakes.
on: 2022-10-03 14:29:34
I was surprised to see one blooming on the Wagon Wheel trail in La Crescent! It certainly wasn't tall, probably just a few feet at most.
on: 2023-06-19 13:44:56
We have some in our backyard.
on: 2023-07-18 12:20:52
Several growing along the landmark trail near the Ogechie lake.