Helleborus foetidus Stinking hellebore (Ranunculaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Helleborus foetidus
Stinking hellebore
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Helleborus foetidus plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Stinking hellebore.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Helleborus foetidus
Common Name:  Stinking hellebore
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are poisonous[9, 10, 65], this poison can possibly be absorbed through the skin[76].

Mature Height:  0.8   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Woods, scrub and sunny banks on moist chalk and limestone soils[9, 17, 187].

Medicinal Information: This species has similar medicinal properties to H. niger[4]. These properties are:- The root is anthelmintic, cardiac, cathartic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, irritant, violently narcotic and a drastic purgative[4, 9, 21, 46]. The dried root is used, it contains the alkaloids jervine, pseudo-jervine and veratridine[213]. It is best to harvest the root in the autumn[213]. The plant is useful for reducing blood pressure in various conditions of hypertension[213].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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