this is blackroot/culvers root
it prefers grassy areas that used to be prarire and also found in well drained woods.
your def gonna need a spade to dig this......it usually grows in huge clumps and getting 1-2 lbs per clump is not uncommon
it takes a little time to clean this because grass roots can intertwine making it a bear to clean sometimes.........really nice to find it in cinders along old railroads.
it grows from 3-5 feet high. blooms in mid july til the flowers start turning black around the middle of august.
Culvers root is threatened in Massachusetts and New York and endangered in Vermont
It is used as an analgesic, cathartic (accelerated defecation), emetic (induces vomiting), treatment for coughs, fevers and rheumatism and to assist with childbirth.
I can attest to the laxative effect this plant has........sometimes i'll handle large amounts of this root and while washing it, I sometimes absorb some thru my skin..........will def clean you out.
I DO NOT RECOMEND EATING ANY OF THIS ROOT!! IT IS A POWERFUL LAXITIVE AND COULD PROB KILL YA.
