Culver's root 'Pointed Finger' Veronicastrum virginicum 'Pointed Finger'
ABOUT
'Pointed Finger' is a perennial to 1.5m in height, with long racemes of pale blue flowers in late summer, which tend to bend in one direction
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Culver's Root, Culver's-Physic, Bowman's Root, Black Root, Beaumont Root, Tall Speedwell, Veronicastrum
Common names
Veronica virginica, Leptandra virginica, Paederota virginica.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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: The plant is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate your garden.
- Architectural interest: Veronicastrum virginicum 'Culver's Root' offers vertical accent in garden designs with its tall, pointed spires of flowers.
- Easy to grow: It is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade and is easy to care for once established.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Culver's Root is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or periods of low rainfall.
- Long blooming: It has a prolonged flowering season that lasts from midsummer to early fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer and rabbits, which can help maintain a beautiful garden without it being eaten by wildlife.
- Naturalizes well: Culver's Root can spread and naturalize in an appropriate setting, filling out landscape spaces without being too aggressive.
- Cut flower: The spiky blooms make elegant fresh cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Seasonal color: The plant provides color and interest to the late season garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fiber Source: Culver's root stalks can be dried and used to make paper or as a natural fiber in crafting.
- Photography: Because of its striking appearance, Culver's root can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Education: Culver's root can be used in educational settings to teach about native plant species and pollinator support.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique structure of Culver's root can inspire artists in their botanical drawings or paintings.
- Natural Dyes: The roots and flowers may be used to create natural dyes for textiles or art projects.
- Garden Design: Its tall, erect habit makes it an ideal plant for adding vertical interest in landscape design.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, the spiky flowers can be used in floral arrangements for their texture and form.
- Boundary Plant: It can act as a natural boundary marker in gardens due to its height and density.
- Terrariums: Smaller specimens or parts of the plant can be incorporated into terrariums as a representation of native flora.
- Theme Gardens: Culver's root can be included in colonial or historical gardens to reflect the flora of early American landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Culver's root is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Culver's root is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fascination and Connection: This plant, commonly known as Culver's root, has unique spiket-like inflorescences which evoke a sense of allure and curiosity, symbolizing our fascination with nature and the deep connections that exist within it.
- Healing and Medicinal Properties: Historically used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, Culver's root is imbued with the symbolism of healing and the search for remedies from the natural world.
- Simplicity and Elegance: With its straightforward yet elegant structure, Culver's root can represent the beauty in simplicity and the elegance of form found in nature.
- Purity and Innocence: The plant's tall and unblemished appearance contributes to its symbolism of purity and innocence, attributes traditionally regarded as virtues.
- Veracity and Fidelity: Its steady and upright growth habit can be seen to symbolize truthfulness, veracity, and fidelity in one’s actions.
WaterCulver's root should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time to ensure the soil is moist, particularly during dry spells. This equates to roughly 0.6 gallons of water for each plant. It's vital to avoid overwatering, as standing water can lead to root rot. During the hot summer months, keep a close eye on soil moisture levels, and water accordingly. If natural rainfall is sufficient, additional watering may not be necessary.
LightCulver's root thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, plant it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. It can also grow successfully in areas with dappled sunlight, but flowers may not be as prolific without full sun exposure.
TemperatureCulver's root does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a moderate climate. The plant can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -30°F. The ideal growing range for Culver's root is between 60°F and 70°F during the growing season, but it can tolerate summer highs up to 85°F.
PruningCulver's root should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadhead the flower spikes after initial flowering to maintain a tidy appearance. If needed, cut back the entire plant in late winter or early spring to about 6 inches from the ground to promote vigorous growth and improve air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCulver's Root ('Pointed Finger') thrives in a soil mix that is rich, well-draining, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite is ideal to promote healthy growth.
RepottingCulver's Root ('Pointed Finger') is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot, is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingCulver's Root ('Pointed Finger') is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it suitable for typical outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, no drafts, and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; moist, fertile, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Veronicastrum virginicum, commonly known as Culver's root, begins with seed germination in late winter or spring, which requires cold stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling grows into a rosette of leaves at soil level, establishing a root system. In its second or third year, the plant will send up tall, erect flower spikes that bloom from the top down in mid to late summer, exhibiting small white to pale blue flowers. After pollination by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into small dry capsules containing seeds that mature by fall. These seeds are either dropped nearby or dispersed by wind or animals, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant itself is herbaceous and will die back to the ground after frost, but the roots survive winter to send up new growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Veronicastrum virginicum, commonly known as Culver's root, is most effectively propagated by division. This method involves carefully separating the plant's root system into multiple sections, each with an adequate number of roots and shoots for independent growth. The best time for division is in the early spring just as new growth begins, or in the late fall after the plant has gone dormant. To propagate by division, gently dig around the base of an established Culver's root plant, then lift the entire root ball from the ground. Using a sharp knife or spade, cut the root ball into sections, ensuring that each new piece has a part of the crown with attached roots and shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, setting them at the same depth they were originally growing, and water thoroughly. Divisions should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth.
