Cucumber Root
Medeola virginiana
Also listed as Gyromia acuminata, Gyromia cuneata
Also known as Indian Cucumber Root, Indian Cucumber, Virginia Cucumber-root
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A delicate woodland perennial with whorled leaves and small yellow flowers followed by blue berries. Native to eastern North American forests, it thrives in shaded garden settings with consistent moisture.
Why grow it
Indian cucumber root offers a subtle alternative to more aggressive groundcovers in moist woodland gardens, with the advantage of a longer season of interest through its progression of whorled foliage, yellow flowers, and blue-black berries. Unlike many shade perennials, it spreads steadily through rhizomes without becoming invasive in appropriate conditions. Its fine texture and modest scale suit densely planted forest garden settings where bolder plants might overwhelm the understory.
Watch out for
This plant requires consistently moist but well-draining soil and will decline in dry conditions or heavy clay without amendment. Establishment can be slow in the first year, so patience is needed before the rhizome system fills in. The common name "root" can cause confusion with the edible tubers of other species, but this plant's rhizomes are not typically harvested.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Liliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate woodland perennial with whorled leaves and small yellow flowers followed by blue berries. Native to eastern North American forests, it thrives in shaded garden settings with consistent moisture.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cucumber Root grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Indian cucumber root offers a subtle alternative to more aggressive groundcovers in moist woodland gardens, with the advantage of a longer season of interest through its progression of whorled foliage, yellow flowers, and blue-black berries. Unlike many shade perennials, it spreads steadily through rhizomes without becoming invasive in appropriate conditions. Its fine texture and modest scale suit densely planted forest garden settings where bolder plants might overwhelm the understory.
Watch out for
This plant requires consistently moist but well-draining soil and will decline in dry conditions or heavy clay without amendment. Establishment can be slow in the first year, so patience is needed before the rhizome system fills in. The common name "root" can cause confusion with the edible tubers of other species, but this plant's rhizomes are not typically harvested.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Liliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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