Veratrum viride aka American False Hellebore
Taxonomy
Veratrum viride, also known as Indian poke, corn-lily, false hellebore, or green false hellebore, is a stout, erect perennial herb native to eastern and western North America. It is commonly found in swamps, wet woods, meadows, forests, and along stream banks in moist wooded areas. The plant has acquired a plethora of common names within its native range, including American false hellebore, bear corn, big hellebore, devil's bite, duck retten, itchweed, poor Annie, blue hellebore, and tickleweed. Its large leaves clasp the stem and bear a branching cluster of greenish, star-shaped, hairy flowers that appear in panicles of small saucer-shaped yellow-green blooms. The ribbed, yellow-green leaves are conspicuous in spring, but the plant withers away before summer. Despite its beautiful appearance, Veratrum viride is extremely toxic and is considered a pest plant by farmers with livestock. The plant spreads by rhizomes and seeds, making it difficult to control.
Common names
American False Hellebore, Itchweed, Giant False HelleborineHow to care for American False Hellebore
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for American False Hellebore due to its easy-going nature.
Water
American False Hellebore should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
American False Hellebore loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the American False Hellebore prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for American False Hellebore to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The American False Hellebore should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
American False Hellebore grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
American False Hellebore’s native range is Eastern N. America - New England to Georgia and Wisconsin, western from Alaska to Oregon.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Veratrum Genus
Veratrum californicum California Veratrum
Veratrum fimbriatum Fringe False Hellobore
Veratrum lobelianum Veratrum Lobelianum
Veratrum formosanum Veratrum
Veratrum album White Veratrum
Veratrum nigrum Black Veratrum
