White hellebore is native to a broad region encompassing central, northern, and eastern Europe, extending into the Caucasus and the northern Mediterranean. It thrives in diverse habitats across these major regions. The species has also been cultivated beyond its natural range, suggesting a wider human-mediated distribution.

White hellebore is moderately toxic to humans, dogs, and cats due to steroid alkaloids. Ingestion causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and cardiac complications. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets accidentally consume white hellebore.

White hellebore originates from Europe and Asia. What makes this plant a weed are its potent survival tactics, which include rapid reproduction from seeds and rhizomes. This plant is invasive and can quickly overtake a garden if not carefully controlled. It's characterised by its large size, reaching up to 2 meters in height, and its bright white flowers. These features make it easy to spot if it begins growing in your garden. Its harmfulness lies in its toxicity. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting, and even heart failure in severe cases. This makes it a potential danger to children, pets, and wildlife. The main way white hellebore spreads is through its seeds. The plant produces a large number of seeds that are dispersed by wind and water, allowing it to quickly colonise new areas.

The best time to control white hellebore is just before it reaches its flowering stage. Early spring, as soon as the plant is noticeable and before it sets seeds, is ideal. This helps prevent the plant from spreading and becoming invasive in the garden.