Names and Myths

Medeola Of Medea (Named after the mythical sorceress since the underground stem was believed to hold rare healing properties)

virginiana of Virginia

This is the only species in this genus.³⁴

Natural history / Folklore

In a bed of the plants younger plants consisting of only the dstem and first whorl of leaves can be found. ²⁹  The root of the plant is white and looks like a white carrot, eaten raw and is often peppery.¹¹ They can be used for pickles, but great care must be taken not to over harvest them, one recommendation is that there should be at least 1 only if there are 3 others in a 3 foot radius of the first. ²⁹

Description

June - July Orange flowers hanging below whorl of three leaves. Rich slightly acid open woods and stream banks.