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This is a shorter form of Veronicastrum ‘Erica’. The foliage has a darker tint than other forms and the flowers are a soft pink, fading from strong rose-pink buds. Of all of the Veronicastrum, Erica and Klein Erica give the strongest feeling of pink, most of this coming from the buds.
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Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Klein Erica’ is a shorter form of Veronicastrum ‘Erica’. The foliage has a darker tint than other forms and the flowers are a soft pink, fading from strong rose-pink buds. Of all of the Veronicastrum, ‘Erica’ and Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Klein Erica give the strongest feeling of pink, most of this coming from the buds.
There is a long history of medicinal use of this plant. The main use of Culver’s root has been as a purgative and for liver complaints. The common name derives from Dr Culver, a pioneering 18th century physician who promoted its use. Medicinal use can , however, be quite dangerous as the fresh root is a both a violent cathartic and purgative agent, said to produce bloody stools and even abortion. despite this, the Chippewa used a tea made from the root as a blood cleanser. It is notable that the dried root has a less violent effect than the fresh root.
Veronicastrum shares a common name, Bowman’s Root, with Gillenia, whose roots have also been used in the past as an emetic. I would speculate that this maybe points to a historical confusion of two plants amongst the herbal trade.
There are a great number of common names for this plant, always a good indicator of wide herbal use. Culver’s root, Culver’s-root, Culverphysic, Culver’s physic, Bowman’s root, black root, Eustachya, Leptandra-wurzel. Leptandra virginicum.
Linnaeus first placed Veronicastrum in Veronica where it sat until it was moved into Leptandra and then later Veronicastrum. The name Veronicastrum, therefore, refers back to this similarity.
