Veratrum californicum California false hellebore (Melanthiaceae)

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Veratrum californicum
California false hellebore
(1 Page of 5)

The Veratrum californicum plant species is found in Southwestern N. America. It is a member of the Melanthiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as California false hellebore.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Veratrum californicum
Common Name:  California false hellebore
Family:  Melanthiaceae
Author:  Dur.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are highly poisonous[155, 200]. The flowers are poisonous to insects, including bees[155].

Mature Height:  2.5   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Swamps, creek bottoms, moist woodlands and meadows, from lowland to the sub-alpine zone[60].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a deep fertile moisture retentive humus-rich soil[200]. Succeeds in full sun if the soil does not dry out but prefers a position in semi-shade[200]. Dislikes dry soils[42]. Grows best in a cool woodland garden or a north facing border[42]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Plants are long-lived and can be left in the same position for years without attention[233].

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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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