This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.

Account
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root
On sale

Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root

Medeola virginiana

$6.00
( / )
Format

Need larger quantities or a custom order? Tell us about your project.

Harvest year:

Origin:

Categories: Edible, Native, Medicinal, Woodland, Perennial

Native range: ON, QC, NB, NS

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Indian cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana), also known as Virginia cucumber-root, is a native perennial plant found in the hardwood forests of eastern North America. Typically reaching between 30 and 90 cm in height, it has a distinctive structure with two tiers of leaves. The first set of dark green leaves forms a whorl around the stem, while a second, smaller set appears near the top later in the season. In late spring or early summer, it produces small, pendulous, yellow-green flowers that transform into black berries in the fall. Adapted to the forest understory, Indian cucumber-root prefers moist, acidic soils rich in organic matter.

Sociability index: 1 to 2 → Indicates the plant’s behaviour in space and its interactions with other plants.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Indian cucumber-root has edible roots with a mild, cucumber-like flavour, giving it its common name. The root is also diuretic and hydrogogue However, this plant is now less commonly used due to its rarity in certain regions. The berries, however, are toxic to humans.

Ecological Roles
Indian cucumber-root plays a modest but important role in forest ecosystems by providing a food source for some animals in the fall with its berries. While toxic to humans, these berries attract small mammals and birds, helping disperse the seeds. Its presence in the forest understory contributes to the diversity of plant layers and enriches local biodiversity.

 

Upon receipt, it is important to place the packet containing seeds in the refrigerator until sowing.

Indian cucumber-root seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the growing notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Stratified Seeds - Indian Cucumber-root

Upon receipt, it is important to place the packet containing the Indian cucumber-root seeds in the refrigerator.

Indian cucumber-root grows in part shade or shade and prefers rich, moist soil.

Indian cucumber-root seeds require a 90-day cold and moist stratification period, followed by a 30-day warm stratification period, then a second 90-day cold and moist stratification period to ensure germination.

The Indian cucumber-root seeds offered by Akène are sold in a sealed bag containing moistened vermiculite. The first stratification period began in mid-September. Depending on the month of receipt, they will therefore be at a different stage of the stratification process. Here is the schedule to follow to complete the dormancy cycle:

Mid-December: take the bag out of the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature, away from light and in its original packaging, for about 30 days for the warm stratification period.

Mid-January: place the same bag back in the refrigerator for a second cold stratification period of at least 90 days. The seeds are ready to start indoors around mid-April. You can also start them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed in your area, keeping the bag in the refrigerator until sowing time. Check the seeds in your refrigerator from time to time to make sure they have not begun to germinate.

Sow the seeds about 5 mm deep in a well-drained substrate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination of this species generally occurs after 35 to 60 days.

Seeds per packet: 15

Family: Liliaceae

Scientific name: Medeola virginiana

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 3

Soil type: Sandy to loamy

Soil moisture level: Medium to wet

Soil - additional attributes: Rich.

Drought tolerance: Low

Light: Part shade, shade

Blooming: May to June

Spacing: 30 to 45 cm

Height: 90 cm

Deer resistance: Unknown

Stratification: Pre-stratified

Scarification: No

Germination time: 35 to 60 days

Sowing depth: 5 mm

Reproductive system: Hermaphrodite