black false hellebore
Veratrum nigrum
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple-black
Attracts
Notes
Black false hellebore (Veratrum nigrum) is a perennial that grows 4 to 6 feet tall. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil. Large, deeply pleated leaves spiral around strong, erect stems. Small, dark burgundy-black flowers open in branched panicles from early summer into early autumn, and bees visit them. Every part of the plant is highly toxic if ingested.
Pairs well with Monkshood, September Charm anemone, and Autumn fern.
Native range
Europe, Central Asia, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, and 3 more places. See all 7
Europe, Central Asia, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, NW. Balkan Pen., Türkiye, and Yakutiya.