Indian Cucumber Root

Medeola virginiana

Basic Information

Family: Trilliaceae

Genus: medeola

Plant ID (slug): medeola-virginiana

Numeric ID: 22701

USDA Hardiness: 3-7

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Medeola virginiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Ontario, Minnesota, Florida and Tennessee.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[55, 62]. Crisp and tender with the aroma and taste of cucumbers[1, 2, 102, 183]. A sweet flavour[159]. The root is up to 8cm long[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diuretic Hydrogogue The root is diuretic and hydrogogue[4]. It is used in the treatment of dropsy[4]. An infusion of the crushed dried berries and leaves has been used to treat babies with convulsions[257].