Water
Maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Also known as Cucumber Root · Indian Cucumber-Root · Virginia Cucumber-Root
Indian Cucumber (Medeola virginiana) is a woodland perennial herb known for its edible tuber and distinctive whorled leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial to full shade
25% intensity
Prefers shaded woodland conditions; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Consistently moist
50% intensity
Avoid waterlogging; allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings.
Rich, well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH.
50% intensity
Temperate
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures; can tolerate light frost once established.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Minimal feeding required; a light organic feed in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None reported.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This plant does not require shaping.
Easily propagated from seed sown in fall or by division of rhizomes in early spring. Seeds require stratification. Divisions should be replanted promptly.
Repotting is generally not necessary as it is a perennial grown in the ground. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Indian Cucumber (Medeola virginiana)
Where Indian Cucumber (Medeola virginiana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Medeola |
| Species | Medeola virginiana |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data