Veratrum californicum
California false hellebore
An upright, rhizomatous perennial to 2.5m high, with broad, pleated bright green leaves that are hairy underneath. In summer, produces branching flower stems covered with small, star-shaped, green and creamy white flowers
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Veratrum are herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with erect stems bearing alternate, pleated ovate or elliptic leaves and dense, branched panicles of small, star-shaped flowers in summer
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Western N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile soil in partial shade; will tolerate full sun in a site where the soil does not dry out. Protect from cold, drying winds. Poisonous to livestock.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, or by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Flower spike can be cut down after flowering, or left to develop seed heads for winter interest
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.