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Common Name: Green Hellebore

General Information

Helleborus viridis is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[, , ], this poison can possibly be absorbed through the skin[].

Botanical References

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Range

Central and western Europe, including Britain.

Habitat

Woods, scrub and sunny banks on moist chalk and limestone soils[, , ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cultivation of this plant is not always easy, it prefers a rich limy soil in partial shade[]. One report says that the plant requires an alkaline soil[]. Succeeds in any good garden soil[], preferring a moist well-drained rich loam in a sheltered position in partial shade[, , , ]. Succeeds when grown in the shade of a north-facing wall[]. Does not object to lime[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[]. Dislikes drought.
Slugs are very fond of this plant and it will probably require some protection from them[].
The various species in this genus hybridize freely[].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions whilst still small[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is anthelmintic, cardiac, cathartic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, irritant, violently narcotic and a drastic purgative[, , , ]. The dried root is used, it contains the alkaloids nervine, pseudo-nervine and veratridine[]. It is best to harvest the root in the autumn[].
The plant is useful for reducing blood pressure in various conditions of hypertension[].

Other Uses

A decoction of the roots is used as a parasiticide against body lice, fleas etc[, ]. This use is somewhat dangerous, see the notes above on toxicity.
Plants are suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[, ]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible[], it usually germinates in the autumn to spring. Seed can take 18 months to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This species produces flowering plants in 2 - 3 years from seed[].
Division after flowering or in autumn. Take care since the plant resents disturbance[, ].