Culver’s root Veronicastrum virginicum
Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae family, native to Moist prairies and woodland edges of eastern North America. It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Culver’s root in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Culver’s root at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Moist prairies and woodland edges of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Culver’s root toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: roots
The root is a strong purgative used in old herbal medicine; do not eat any part.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Culver’s root
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Culver’s root
- How far apart should I plant Culver’s root?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Culver’s root need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Culver’s root need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Culver’s root?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Culver’s root flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Culver’s root poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The root is a strong purgative used in old herbal medicine; do not eat any part.
- What grows well with Culver’s root?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Culver’s root. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Stately stems with whorls of narrow leaves like the tiers of a pagoda, topped in midsummer by candelabras of slender white (or pale pink) spikes crowded with bees. A favourite of the New Perennial planting style in Europe.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
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- Angelonia (summer snapdragon) Angelonia angustifolia