Family: Liliaceae
Indian cucumber-root
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Botanical Illustration
Mary Ann Feist
Etymology: Medeola: for sorceress Medea, for attributed medicinal uses
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-28" tall forb, woolly when young; stems hairy, unbranched; thick, edible, tuber-like rhizomes
Leaves: whorled, lance-like with pointed tips and pointed, touching bases; lower whorls of 5-11 leaves, upper whorl overhangs the flowers
Flowers: greenish to yellow, 6-parted, 1/2" wide, petal-like tepals turning backward; inflorescence a nodding, terminal cluster (umbel) of 3-9 stalked flowers; blooms May-July
Fruits: purple/black, rounded berry
Habitat: moist; woods; in rich soil
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-28" tall forb, woolly when young; stems hairy, unbranched; thick, edible, tuber-like rhizomes
Leaves: whorled, lance-like with pointed tips and pointed, touching bases; lower whorls of 5-11 leaves, upper whorl overhangs the flowers
Flowers: greenish to yellow, 6-parted, 1/2" wide, petal-like tepals turning backward; inflorescence a nodding, terminal cluster (umbel) of 3-9 stalked flowers; blooms May-July
Fruits: purple/black, rounded berry
Habitat: moist; woods; in rich soil
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Botanical Illustration
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Kitty Kohout
Emmet J. Judziewicz