Veratrum nigrum
Veratrum nigrum is the rare black false hellebore with tall, branched inflorescences of burgundy-black flowers.
Veratrum nigrum is the rare and stately black false hellebore. Large, parallel-veined, deeply pleated, elliptical foliage up to 12 inches long are spirally arranged around strong erect stems that are topped by narrow, short, soft hairy, branched panicles of small, star-shaped, dark burgundy-black flowers. Plants can reach 4-6 feet high making a statement in the part sun/part shade garden. Blooms June through September. All parts are highly toxic if ingested. Appreciates evenly moist soils. Grow at the back of mixed borders, in bright woodland, cottage or wild gardens. Pollinator attractor. Photo credit: Wikimedia.
Common Name: Black False Hellebore
Family: Liliaceae (The Lily Family)
Zone Hardiness: 4-8
Light: Part Shade, Part Sun
Height: 4-6'
Width: 2-3'
Primary Bloom Colour: Burgundy
Secondary Bloom Colour: Black
Bloom Time: Summer
Foliage Colour: Green
Class: Deciduous
Type: Perennial
Soil Moisture: Moist, Average
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits: Butterflies, Bees
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Damp meadows and open woodland across Eurasia.
Award:
Geographical Origin: Europe and Western Russia, Asia - China and Japan, North Central and Eastern Asia
