Indian cucumber-root

Appearance

''Medeola virginiana'' shoots consist of two tiers of whorled leaves. The lower tier typically bears between five and nine lance shaped leaves. The upper tier bears three to five ovate leaves. The leaves have an entire margin. Some individuals lack a second tier of whorled leaves. The second tier is produced when the plant flowers. When two-tiered, plants grow to 30 in high. The flowers have yellowish green tepals and appear in late spring. The fruit is a dark blue to purple, inedible berry above the top tier of leaves. Indian cucumber-root shoots arise each spring from an overwintering tuberlike structure. This structure produces a series of horizontal rhizomes at 45 degree angles which produces a clonal colony of plants in an octagonal pattern.

Distribution

''Medeola virginiana'' is found from Ontario to Nova Scotia, south to Florida, and Louisiana. It grows in rich, moist forests and woodlands.

It is listed as an endangered plant in Florida and in Illinois.

Uses

This plant produces a crisp, edible tuber that smells and tastes like garden cucumber. Iroquois used the plant as an anticonvulsant and pediatric aid.