Black Hellebore
Helleborus niger
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Helleborus niger is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to February, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Woods and thickets, mainly in mountains, on calcareous soils. Sometimes also found in grassland.
S.E. and C. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
Black hellebore is a very poisonous plant that is toxic when taken in all but the smallest doses. As such it should not be taken except under professional supervision. The plant contains cardiac glycosides which have a similar action to the foxglove (Digitalis spp) and it has been used as a heart stimulant for the elderly, though this treatment is no longer recommended. The root is anthelmintic, cardiac, cathartic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, irritant, violently narcotic and a drastic purgative. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It has been used in the treatment of dropsy, amenorrhoea, nervous disorders and hysteria, but it is very poisonous and great care must be taken over the dosage. The root is also applied externally as a local irritant, but even this should be done with care, see notes above on toxicity. A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots. It is used in the treatment of headaches, psychic disorders, enteritis and spasms.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Antiemetic: Prevents vomiting.
Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Irritant: Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Other
Rating:
Used as a parasiticide against body lice, fleas etc. This use is somewhat dangerous, see the notes above on toxicity. The powdered root has been used as a snuff. Plants are suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Cultivation of this plant is not always easy, it prefers a rich limy soil in partial shade. Succeeds in any good garden soil, growing and flowering best in 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 can flower in three years from seed. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. Plants resent root disturbance and are slow to re-establish when divided. They are best left undisturbed for 6 - 7 years before being divided. Seedling plants should be placed in their permanent positions whilst still small. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are poisonous, this poison can possibly be absorbed through the skin. The fresh root can be a violent irritant to sensitive skin.