PlantFiles: Indian Cucumber, Indian Cucumber Root
Medeola virginiana

Yet another interesting native plant which I watch for in my woods.

I had success transplanting one wild plant into my garden in the late spring of 2005 and three came back in 2006. The plants came from private property, and transplanting from public lands is not recommended, and most likely illegal in most states. It was fussy while establishing itself in its new home, but bloomed and produced beautiful dark red berries. It likes acidic soil in a shady situation. A moisture-lover, though it will tolerate drought when established. An interesting and beautiful plant native to the East Coast of N. America.

Edible plant. The rhizome has the consistency of a radish, but tastes like a cucumber. I doubt if the energy needed to dig one is replaced by eating one.

A herbaceous,perennial plant that gets up to 30-inches tall.The leaves are whorled and 5-inches in length with 5-9 leaves halfway up the stem and 3-5 on the top.The steams are hairy when young.The flowers are yellow-green stalked clusters that hang below the upper leaves.They bloom in May or June.Followed by dark purple berries.The Native Americans ate the rhizome of this plant,it has a light cucumber like flavor.Digging the rhizome will kill the plant but pieces left will form new plants.Usually found in woods and swamps.