Veratrum album JMH.7979

White Helleborine

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Veratrum album JMH.7979 - Broad green leaves with prominent pleats are exceptionally attractive. A tall branched and showy inflorescence arises from the central axis of the plant bearing countless white to greenish white florets in late spring or July/August. It apparently has a long bloom cycle. Fascinating alone they are spectacular in a colony. Though this fantastic, dramatic perennial is asthetically beautiful it saturated with alkaloids - very poisonous. In fact, parts of the plants were dried, powdered and utilized as an insecticide against Colorado Potato Beetle. Bear this most pertinent fact in mind if you have young children who have a propensity for taste testing, pets too. The White Helleborine is found in parts of Europe, Siberia , Turkey, Caucasus and in Alaska thanks purportedly to the Bering land bridge, big winds, shaman settlers or birds? Oh! This plant isn't poisonous to birds or the multitudes of insects that pollinate it. Moist rich soils in full sun to dappled shade. Established potted Veratrum album from seed.


Height:

48-60 in

Spread:

36-42 in

Colors:

Green with White, White

Characteristics and Attributes for Veratrum album JMH.7979

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer

Nature Attraction

  • Butterflies
  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Mostly Sunny
  • Dappled Shade
  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Border
  • Cottage Garden
  • Meadow / Field

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Soil

  • Moist
  • Organic
  • Fertile
  • Humus Laden

Origins

  • Alaska
  • Europe
  • Western Asia