Veratrum viride Indian poke (Melanthiaceae)

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Veratrum viride
Indian poke
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The Veratrum viride plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New England to Georgia, Tennessee and Wisconsin. It is a member of the Melanthiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Indian poke.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Veratrum viride
Common Name:  Indian poke
Family:  Melanthiaceae
Author:  Ait.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are highly poisonous[1, 4, 19, 62, 65]. After the plant dies down in the autumn and has been frosted, the toxins decrease and the plant becomes harmless to animals[212].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Swamps, moist meadows and low ground[21].

General Uses: The dried and powdered root is used as an insecticide and a parasiticide[46, 61, 212]. It is also effective against caterpillars and mammals so great caution is advised[1, 19, 20]. The roots have been grated, then added to the laundry water and used to clean clothing[257]. A fibre obtained from the stem is used for weaving wallets etc[99].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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