How to Grow and Care for False hellebores

White hellebore is a poisonous plant native to parts of Europe and Asia. This perennial herb produces white flowers and winged seeds. It is easily confused with Gentiana lutea or Allium ursinum.

Green false hellebore (Veratrum viride) is a large-leaved, flowering plant native to North America. The plant is notable for its toxicity - its leaves, roots, and stem are poisonous and cause vomiting. Some Native American tribes are known to have chosen their chief through a ritual in which candidates would all eat a portion of the toxic root, and whoever was least affected would become chief.

California false hellebore (Veratrum californicum) is a highly poisonous plant native to the United States. California false hellebore grows from the southwestern region of the United States through the Rocky Mountains, and in Alaska. This plant can interfere with normal gestation during pregnancy and has caused birth defects in animals.

Fringed false hellebore features tall, erect stems with broad, heavily ribbed leaves. Its distinct inflorescence is composed of many small, star-shaped flowers, typically white or greenish, with fringed petal edges. This plant thrives in moist, subalpine meadows, where it adapts well to cool climates, and its striking appearance plays a crucial role in attracting pollinators.

Black false hellebore has dark, star-shaped brown flowers that give the plant a profoundly mysterious and attractive appearance. It is best to be careful of black false hellebore, as all parts of the plant are poisonous! Black false hellebore has been used as an ornamental since at least 1773, and even Charles Darwin grew it in his garden!