plant-banner1

NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Medeola virginiana

Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber

Scientific Name:

Medeola virginiana

Genus:

Medeola

Species Epithet:

virginiana

Common Name:

Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber

Plant Type

Herb/Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Invasive Status:

(*Key)

Size:

1-3 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

Yellow, Green

Light:

Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Moist

Bloom Time:

April, May, June

Growing Area:

Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain

Habitat Description:

Moist forests, usually with acidic soils. Common in the mountains and foothills; fairly common in the remainder of the Piedmont. Generally uncommon in the eastern two-thirds of the Coastal Plain, but rare in the southeastern corner of the state. Essentially absent in the far eastern counties.

Leaf Arrangement:

Whorled

Leaf Retention:

Deciduous

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Has some wildlife value

Landscape Value:

Suitable for home landscapes

State Rank:

S5: Secure (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

Medeola virginiana is at its showiest in early autumn as clusters of bright purple fruits mature and the center of the top whorl of leaves turns crimson-red to attract birds to the fruits.

In September I always fail to get to the ripened fruits before some have been consumed.

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Medeola virginiana is at its showiest in early autumn as clusters of bright purple fruits mature and the center of the top whorl of leaves turns crimson-red to attract birds to the fruits. of Medeola virginiana

Will Stuart

Blossoms have 6 pale green, strongly reflexed tepals and hang beneath the uppermost whorl of glossy-green leaves.

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Blossoms have 6 pale green, strongly reflexed tepals and hang beneath the uppermost whorl of glossy-green leaves. of Medeola virginiana

Will Stuart

Each blossom has 6 stamens and a protruding 3-branched style. The anther filaments and the 3-part style are a handsome crimson-purple when the flowers are fresh.

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Each blossom has 6 stamens and a protruding 3-branched style. The anther filaments and the 3-part style are a handsome crimson-purple when the flowers are fresh. of Medeola virginiana

Will Stuart

Fading blossoms and swelling capsules.

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Fading blossoms and swelling capsules. of Medeola virginiana

Will Stuart

Immature fruit (berries) in late July

Haywood County, NC

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Immature fruit (berries) in late July of Medeola virginiana

Bettina Darveaux

Senescing plant in mid-October

Haywood County, NC

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Senescing plant in mid-October of Medeola virginiana

Bettina Darveaux

Whorl of 7-9 leaves

Macon County, NC

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Whorl of 7-9 leaves of Medeola virginiana

Bettina Darveaux

Developing flower buds

Macon County, NC

The Scientific Name is Medeola virginiana. You will likely hear them called Indian Cucumber-root, Indian Cucumber. This picture shows the Developing flower buds of Medeola virginiana

Bettina Darveaux

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record



• Permalink - (right click to save this page to your bookmarks)

<<< PREVIOUS

NEXT >>>

back to top
go to plant details search
go to plant images search
go to gallery home
back to Initial m Gallery
back to orchids
back to Carnivorous Plants
back to Trilliums