Veronicastrum virginicum is displaying elegant, slender flowerheads in the Bee Borders.
The Plantaginaceae (plantain family) contains approximately 90 genera of herbaceous species from around the world, including Plantago, Antirrhinum, Veronica and Veronicastrum. V. virginicum is a distinct North American herbaceous perennial, which thrives in moist conditions in full sun or partial shade. In gardens it is grown for its erect, slender racemes of flower, which vary in colour from white to pink and mauve. The plant can grow to 2m in height and has upright, branchless stems which bear whorls of dark green, toothed leaves. This species has been used by native Americans for the treatment of fevers, aches and as a purgative. It takes its common name, Culver root, from an eighteenth century physician, Dr Culver, who recommended its use for medicinal purposes.