Family: Melianthaceae
Common Name: False Hellebore

With a wide distribution through southern Europe, Asia and North America, this genus includes at least 40 species of herbaceous peren­nials. The flowers come in a range of colours and are borne in sprays or spikes. Some species con­tain poisonous alkaloids, but have a history of medicinal use.

Species

V. album, white hellebore, zone 5, is widely distributed in Europe, across Siberia to northern Asia. Growing to 2 m (6 ft) high, it bears dense sprays of cream flowers in summer.

V. californicum, corn lily, zone 5, from North America, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with whitish green flowers.

V. nigrum, zone 6, is a perennial plant from southern Europe and Asia, growing to 1.2 m (4 ft). The large, pleated leaves are arranged spirally on the uprightgrowing stems, which carry long, narrow spikes of deep purple or reddish brown flowers, from late summer.

V. viride, zone 3, to 2 m (6 ft) tall, has greenish white flowers. It is native to eastern North America.

Cultivation

Veratrum may be grown in full sun or partial shade, but likes a fairly rich, moist soil. It needs plenty of summer watering. To propagate, divide in early spring or sow ripe seed in autumn, in a garden frame.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.