Indian Cucumber Root

(Medeola virginiana)

 

   

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana)

Identification: Plant with two whorls of leaves, one at the apex and another near the middle of the stem. Flowers yellow to yellow-green, hanging from the apical whorl of leaves. Petals reflexed (curled backward). Stamens red, projecting. Berries upright and purple-blue. Plant 1 to 2 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America.

Habitat: Indian Cucumber Root in a forest species.

Flowering period: May to June.

Similar Species: The yellow, hanging, yellow-green flowers and the the two whorls of leaves will readily identify Indian Cucumber Root.

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