Beaumont's Root, Culver's root, Bowman's Root, Culver's Root, Black Root
Veronicastrum virginicum

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Blue, Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Veronicastrum virginicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Meadows, rich woods, thickets and prairies.

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Manitoba, south to Massachusetts, Alabama and Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 3

Beaumont's root was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used 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 diarrhoea, 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.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Massing, Seashore, Woodland garden. Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil. Prefers cool summers. Prefers a sunny position. Hardy to at least -20°c. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value. Special Features:North American native, Attracts butterflies, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above.

Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient quantity the seed can be sown outdoors in situ in the autumn or the spring. Division in autumn or spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Leptandra virginica. Veronica virginica. L.