Indian cucumber (Medeola virginiana, Sp. Pl.: 339 (1753))

Family: Liliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 339 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Medeola

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to EC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Indian cucumber, scientifically known as Medeola virginiana, is a fascinating plant that thrives predominantly in the eastern regions of North America. It was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his work “Species Plantarum”.

Found from Eastern Canada down to the east-central and eastern United States, the Indian cucumber is a distinctive member of the Liliaceae family. This perennial herb is well-loved for its unique foliage and edible roots, which resemble a small cucumber in flavor and appearance.

The plant typically stands 1 to 2 feet tall, featuring a solitary, unbranched stem adorned with two distinct whorls of leaves. The lower whorl typically consists of 5 to 9 lance-shaped leaves arranged in a radial pattern, while the upper whorl bears 3 smaller leaves positioned just below the flowering structure.

In late spring to early summer, the Indian cucumber produces small, greenish-yellow, star-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from slender pedicels. These blooms later give way to dark blue to purple berries, contributing both to the aesthetic appeal of the plant and its ecological value, as they provide sustenance for various wildlife species.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Indian cucumber’s starchy roots have been traditionally harvested by indigenous peoples and early settlers for their cucumber-like taste. However, it is important to note that while the roots are edible, other parts of the plant may be toxic if ingested.

Growing best in rich, well-drained soils under the partial to full shade of deciduous forests, Medeola virginiana plays a significant role in the forest understory ecosystem. Its presence not only adds biodiversity but also serves as an indicator of healthy, undisturbed forest habitats.

This remarkable plant continues to intrigue botanists, gardeners, and naturalists alike, capturing interest with its unique botanical characteristics and its historical utilization as a wild edible.

Common Names

Eng: indian cucumber, indian cucumber root, indian cucumber-root
Fra: médéole de virginie, concombre sauvage, jarnotte, médéole
En: Indian cucumber, Indian Cucumber-Root, Indian Cucumber Root
Fr: Médéole de Virginie, Concombre sauvage, Jarnotte, Médéole

Synonyms

• Gyromia acuminata (Raf.)
• Gyromia cuneata (Raf.)
• Medeola verticillifolia (Stokes)
• Gyromia virginica ((Christm.) Nutt.)
• Gyromia virginica var. picta (Nutt.)
• Medeola virginica (Christm.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Bermuda (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 5, 2018 by Andrew Stanley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by sayrah smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Nora Wilson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Dgee Lainesse (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Zelde Grimm (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 29, 2021 by Tasha Tchek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2020 by Mégan Campeau (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 7, 2021 by carollee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Amandine raimbault (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Kyleigh Sadler (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2010 by EOL − BlueRidgeKitties (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by EOL − kmpetteruti (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by julie caron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Sarah Hamilton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Louis-David Malo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Ivan Guzmán (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 16, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2015 by EOL − littleriver (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 9, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 27, 2010 by EOL − BlueRidgeKitties (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2015 by EOL − Derek (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2750658)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:328550-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Medeola virginiana L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth