July 2006
Ohio Prairie Plant of the MonthSpecies
Common Name Culver's-root
Latin Name: Veronicastrum virginicum [Pronounced: "ver-on-eh-CAST-rum vir-GINN-eh-cum"]
Type of Plant: Prairie Forb
Identification Helps: This species is easily identified by its many narrow, ascending finger-like white flower spikes. No other wild prairie or meadow plant has this flower arrangement.
Similar Species: There are none.
Preferred Growing Conditions in the Wild: This beautiful prairie forb grows on all but the driest soils, preferring rich, moist prairie soils.
Seasons of Growth and Bloom: This forb blooms from July through August.
Natural Distribution in Ohio: It grows throughout all of Ohio's prairie regions.
Description and General Information: Veronicastrum virginicum is one of the easiest prairie forbs to identify, with its long white fingerlike flower spikes.
It grows nicely in gardens and should be component of all native plants gardens.