Description
False Hellebore is considered a pest plant by farmers with livestock.
Veratrum viride, known as Indian poke, Indian hellebore, false hellebore, green false hellebore or giant false-helleborine, is a species of Veratrum native to eastern and western North America.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Veratrum viride,Indian poke, Indian hellebore, false hellebore, green false hellebore or giant false-helleborine |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 90 cm |
| Flower Colour | yellow to green |
| Bloom Time | Spring Season |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Though hard to grow from seed, once they become established Veratrum plants are pretty easy to look after; they require a very moist soil so keep well watered, to aid this supply a mulch every spring. If you require more plants then propagate by division at the start of spring.
False Hellebore care
When growing Veratrum species such as White and False hellebore it is probably easiest to purchase them from a garden centre or from a divided plant; plant out following the last frost of spring.
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 55 and 60 degrees. |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
False Hellebore special feature
Always wear gloves when in contact with this poisonous plant. Propagate: by dividing in the spring in cooler areas or the autumn in warmer areas (handle with care).
False Hellebore uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Extremely poisonous rhizomes and roots that can cause death by cardiac arrest if ingested
- Traditionally used by Native Americans to poison arrows
- Compounds from the plant are used in many modern day medicines to treat malignant cancers