Culver's Root
Growth Habit
HerbaceousPropagation
Cold/moist strat, requires light, OK to cover w/ sand, not dirt
Biocultural Value
Culver's root is employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who use it to treat a variety of complaints. It is still occasionally used in modern herbalism, mainly for its effect upon the liver and bile production. Some caution is advised, the plant is potentially toxic. The root is anodyne, cathartic, emetic, hepatic, laxative and tonic. The fresh root is a violent cathartic and possibly emetic, the dried root is milder in its action, but less certain. The root also gently excites the liver and increases the flow of bile. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhea, coughs, chills and fevers, and also to ease the pain of backaches. A tea made from the roots is strongly laxative. The roots are harvested in the autumn and should be stored for at least a year before use. The Cherokee use it as a tea for backaches, fever, typhus, and other ailments, while the Seneca use it as a laxative, and the Menomini use it to purge the body of evil spirits.
Wildlife Value
Pollinators love the tall flower stalks that bloom for several weeks to a month during the middle of summer. Many different species of native bees, as well as, honey bees are drawn to the flowers to gather nectar and/or pollen. Butterflies, moths, flower flies, and several species of wasps also visit the flowers.
Poisonous
YesLocation
Mundy Wildflower GardenCultivation
sun-p sun, moist
Description
Perennial reaching 7' in height, leaves mostly 5, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, to 6" long, toothed;flowers in racemes to 9" long, corolla pale blue or white to 1/8" long.
Source of plant
Crownsville Nursery, Veronica's Garden, North Creek Nurseries, The Plantsmen, Miss Minn's Garden, Garden Place, Sunny Border Nurseries
