Other names and variants include Culver's-root, Culverphysic, Culver's physic, black root. The name "Culver's root" derives from a certain Dr. Culver who was a pioneer physician of the 18th century and used its bitter roots for purgative purposes.
Veronicastrum virginicum is cultivated as an ornamental for temperate gardens in the Eastern and Central United States around its native range. Most native plant nurseries commonly sell this easy and adaptable perennial. Even some conventional nurseries sell this plant, though it is not common yet in American landscapes and gardens. It is fully hardy down to at least −20 °C (−4 °F), and grows in full sun to part shade and any moist, well-drained soil. It is easy to dig up, divide, and reset like a good number of standard perennials if they get too large or crowded. It stays as an upright clump and does not spread far. Plants rarely need staking; however, older clumps may require this. It can be pruned down in late May or dug up, divided, and reset. This plant does do some self-sowing with its tiny seed.
Perennial Plant of the Year 2006 in Sweden
Botanical Name: Veronicastrum virginicum f. albiflorum
Syn: Leptandra
Common Name: Culver’s Root, Psychic Root
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: White. Sometimes light blue.
Flowering Season: July to September
Plant Height: 5 ft ( 175 cm)
Light Requirements: Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Requirements: Average, Moist
Soil Requirements: Average
USDA Zones: 3-8
