California false hellebore
Veratrum californicum Durand
Veratrum californicum, known as California false hellebore, is a tall, poisonous plant native to western North America. It grows in moist environments such as near streams and in wet meadows, reaching heights of 1 to 2 meters. The plant features a stout, unbranched stem with large, bright green leaves and clusters of white-flowered blooms with a green center. It is found from Washington to Durango, often in dense stands.
Description
Veratrum californicum is a member of the Melanthiaceae family and is native to western North America, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. It thrives in moist soil and is commonly found in wet meadows and near streams. The plant has an erect, leafy stem resembling a cornstalk, with leaves over a foot long and prominent veins. Its flowers are clustered at the top of the stem, with six white tepals, a green center, six stamens, and a three-branched pistil. The buds appear as tight green spheres. This species was first described by Durand in 1855.
Other common names
California veratrumskunk-cabbageCalifornia false hellebore
Distribution
SE · Arizona · California · Colorado · Idaho · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Northwest · Nevada · New Mexico · Oregon · Washington · Wyoming