Culver's root Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm'
ABOUT
The plant known as Culver's root 'Lavendelturm' presents a striking appearance in the garden. It boasts a robust, upright habit with sturdy stems that hold up well throughout its growth period. The foliage is lance-shaped, with deep green leaves arranged in whorled patterns, giving the plant a textured and lush appearance. Most notable are the flower spikes that rise above the foliage in the summer months. These long, elegant spires bear tiny, tubular flowers that are a soft lavender in color, creating a misty, ethereal effect. The blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which adds to the plant's charm and utility in the garden. The blossoms are densely packed on the flower spikes, forming a slender, tapering shape that resembles a candelabrum. The overall impression of Culver's root 'Lavendelturm' is one of vertical lines and soft color, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add height and a touch of serenity to their planting schemes. With its showy flowers and appealing foliage, this plant is a beautiful addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Culver's Root, Virginia Culver's Root, Culver's Physic, Bowman's Root, Black Root, Tall Speedwell, Veronicastrum
Common names
Veronicastrum virginicum.
ToxicityTo humans
Culver's root, the common name for Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm', is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are no typical symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities could exist, and it is generally advised not to ingest parts of ornamental plants.
To pets
Culver's root, with Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm' being a cultivar, similarly poses no known significant toxicity risk to pets. It is not listed among commonly toxic plants to pets such as dogs and cats. As such, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning expected with this plant. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if they consume large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Culver's root 'Lavendelturm' is known to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's tall spires of lavender-colored flowers add vertical interest and a splash of color to garden beds and borders.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help to maintain its beauty in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Low Maintenance: Culver's root 'Lavendelturm' is considered to be low maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in the appropriate conditions.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a comparatively long flowering period, which can extend throughout the summer, providing sustained interest in the landscape.
- Erosion Control: The deep root system of Culver's root can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Culver's root can be used to create a soft greenish dye for textiles, taking advantage of its natural pigmentation.
- In photography: The intricate structure of Culver's root can be used as a subject in macro photography to highlight its delicate flower spikes.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in botany and gardening classes for educational purposes to teach about pollinator-friendly plant species.
- Decorative dried arrangements: Culver's root can be dried and included in decorative dried flower arrangements due to its interesting vertical structure.
- Floral art and crafts: The long spikes of Culver's root can be used in floral crafts, like making homemade wreaths or other botanical art pieces.
- Terrariums: Smaller specimens can be incorporated into terrariums as an element that provides height and visual interest.
- Erosion control: On a practical note, Culver's root can be used in landscaping to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion because of its deep root system.
- Biodegradable craft material: Stems of Culver's root, once dried, can be used as biodegradable stakes in the garden or for craft projects.
- Winter garden interest: Even after the flowering season, the seed heads of Culver's root add a delicate beauty to the winter garden landscape, standing out against snow.
- Garden delineation: This plant can be used to create natural borders or divisions within garden spaces due to its upright and architectural growth habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCulver's root is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCulver's root is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Culver's Root: This is the most common common name for Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm'. The plant symbolizes fidelity and reliability, as it is a steadfast presence in gardens, returning reliably every year to grace the landscape.
- Healing: Traditionally, Culver's Root has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans, symbolizing healing and the importance of natural remedies.
- Simplicity: With its unassuming spikes of small lavender flowers, it embodies simplicity and elegance, encouraging an appreciation for the understated beauty of nature.
- Connection to the divine: The genus name Veronicastrum references Saint Veronica, who is said to have given Jesus a cloth to wipe his face on the way to Calvary. This connection lends a spiritual element to the plant, symbolizing faith and the divine.
- Unity: The way the small flowers cluster around the stem implies unity and togetherness, making Culver's Root a symbol for close-knit family and community.
WaterCulver's root should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to maintain consistent soil moisture, which is crucial for this plant's health. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf diseases. Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant. Very young plants may require more frequent watering, such as every few days, to help them establish.
LightCulver's root thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering. A spot that offers morning sun with some afternoon shade is perfect, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureCulver's root is quite hardy and can endure temperatures down to about -30°F, making it suitable for many climates. It performs best in a temperature range between 50°F and 85°F. However, it's crucial to avoid exposure to extreme heat for prolonged periods as this may affect its growth and blooming.
PruningPrune Culver's root by deadheading spent flower stalks to promote continued blooming and to maintain plant appearance. Additionally, cut back the plant to the ground in late fall or early winter after the foliage has died back. This annual pruning encourages healthy new growth in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCulver's Root ('Lavendelturm') thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter, having a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For best results, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and drainage.
RepottingCulver's Root usually does not require frequent repotting as it is typically grown as a perennial outdoor plant. It can be left undisturbed for several years unless the plant outgrows its space.
Humidity & MistingCulver's Root ('Lavendelturm') prefers average humidity levels consistent with outdoor conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, rich soil, moist well-drained spot.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm', commonly known as Culver's root, starts with seed germination in the spring after a period of cold stratification, which breaks the seed dormancy. The seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it develops a deep root system and sends up tall, sturdy stems with lance-shaped leaves. Throughout the summer, Culver's root enters its flowering stage, producing tall spires of small, tubular lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which are dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive cycle. In the fall, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters dormancy, resting until the next growth cycle in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer-early fall
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Culver's root, specifically Veronicastrum virginicum 'Lavendelturm', is by division. The preferred time for this activity is in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively flowering. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a substantial amount of root attached to each section. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly, at the same depth they were growing before, and water them thoroughly. This method ensures a close replication of the parent plant, maintaining its distinctive features such as the lavender-hued spires for which 'Lavendelturm' is known.
