Species Indian cucumber root
Green flower with burgundy center, black seed, burgundy style and filaments, yellow anthers, green stems, and leaves

Indian cucumber root

Medeola virginiana

Medeola virginiana, more commonly known as Indian Cucumber Root, is an herbaceous perennial native to North America. It has straight stems ending in a terminal umbel of bright green leaves. The fruit of the plant is a small, single seed about the size of a pea, and the roots have a cucumber-like odour when cut. It also has a distinctive bright yellow five-petaled flower. Indian Cucumber Root is a useful plant, providing food for native wildlife and edible tubers for human consumption. It grows in shady conditions and can be used as a groundcover or border plant for shady areas in gardens.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish yellow Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Indian cucumber root should be watered 1 to 2 times a week. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering as the leaves may become susceptible to fungal diseases. During the warmer months, Indian cucumber root may require more frequent watering. If the soil begins to dry out, check to see if it is time to give your plant a drink. You know it's time for a drink if the soil is dry when you stick your finger in it up to your second knuckle.

sunlight

Indian cucumber root (Medeola virginiana) does best in partial to full shade and does not require much direct sunlight. The best location would have moist soil in the morning and dry soil in the afternoon. Since Indian cucumber root is native to North America, it is best to provide 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day, and avoid direct sunlight during the heat of the day when temperatures are at their highest.

pruning

Indian cucumber root should be pruned regularly to maintain an optimal shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning can be done in early spring, anytime during the summer, or right before the start of the dormant season in autumn. When pruning Indian cucumber root, make sure to cut off any dead, diseased, or damaged stems and leaves. Prune the stems back to a node (an intersection between stem and branch) to promote branching. Additionally, remove any weakened stems that are at risk of breaking. Doing so allows more sunlight and air to reach the interior of the plant. Finally, if the Indian cucumber root is too overgrown or needs additional shaping, light pruning can be done throughout the growing season. Make sure to remove branches judiciously, as too much pruning can damage the plant and limit its growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Medeola virginiana typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map