Green Hellebore
Helleborus viridis
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Helleborus viridis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to April, 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Woods, scrub and sunny banks on moist chalk and limestone soils.
Central and western Europe, including Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
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.
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.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Irritant: Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.
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: 2
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.
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. 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.
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: 5-9
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.