Veronicastrum virginicum - Beaumont's Root

Family:	Scrophulariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Width:	0.45
Synonyms:	Leptandra virginica. Veronica virginica. L.
Range:	Eastern N. America - Ontario to Manitoba, south to Massachusetts, Alabama and Texas.

Veronicastrum virginicum (Beaumont's Root) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m and a width of 0.45m . It has a hardness rating of 3.
Beaumont's Root will flower in January to February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Beaumont's Root will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Beaumont's Root prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Beaumont's Root should not be planted in shady areas.

Meadows, rich woods, thickets and prairies[43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil[200]. Prefers cool summers[200]. Prefers a sunny position[188]. Hardy to at least -20°c[187]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
Beaumont's root was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is still occasionally used in modern herbalism, mainly for its effect upon the liver and bile production. Some caution is advised, the plant is potentially toxic[222]. The root is anodyne, cathartic, emetic, hepatic, laxative and tonic[4, 46, 61, 165, 218, 222]. The fresh root is a violent cathartic and possibly emetic, the dried root is milder in its action, but less certain[4]. The root also gently excites the liver and increases the flow of bile[4, 238]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, coughs, chills and fevers, and also to ease the pain of backaches[257]. A tea made from the roots is strongly laxative[213, 222]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and should be stored for at least a year before use[213].

• Cathartic - A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
• Cholagogue - Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
• Emetic - Induces vomiting.
• Hepatic - Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
• Laxative - Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient quantity the seed can be sown outdoors in situ in the autumn or the spring. Division in autumn or spring[200]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

'' - There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas
Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J
Author: Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J
Rating: http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm
Publisher : An excellent flora, which is also available on-line.
Date of Publication : 1999

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.