Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana)

Family: Trilliaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Medeola virginiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste of cucumbers. — Root - raw or cooked.; Crisp and tender with the aroma and taste of cucumbers.; The root is up to 8cm long.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich woods, margins of swamps and bogs. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)