Overview
Veratrum viride is a perennial herb in the genus Veratrum, part of the Melanthiaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Veratrum viride grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Eastern and western North America.
About
Veratrum viride is a perennial herb notable for its toxicity and upright stature, reaching about 2.0 m. It flowers in June to July, bearing many small greenish blooms. The plant suits moist to wet soils and tolerates a range of soil types. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling as all parts are poisonous if eaten.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veratrum viride
About the genus
Veratrum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Melanthiaceae. It occurs in damp habitats across much of temperate and subarctic Europe, Asia, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Veratrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veratrum
In the garden
Veratrum viride is a tall perennial herb native to eastern and western North America. It produces a large branched flowerhead in early summer, with flowering recorded in June to July in the UK. For best results plant it in full sun on soils that retain moisture: sandy, loamy or clay soils are all acceptable so long as they remain moist or wet rather than bone dry. Hardiness is H7 in the UK, meaning it is fully hardy outdoors; it also corresponds to USDA zones 3–7. Allow room for its mature height of around 2.0 m when siting, and expect an imposing vertical presence rather than a ground cover. Avoid placing it where pets, particularly dogs, might access foliage, because it is toxic if eaten. It suits damp sunny margins, pond edges and larger-scale perennial or meadow-style plantings where moisture is reliable and the size of the plant can be accommodated. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when planting or dividing to avoid contact with sap and root material.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veratrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Veratrum viride size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Native to
- Eastern and western North America
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Veratrum viride?
Veratrum viride prefers full sun.
What soil does Veratrum viride need?
Veratrum viride is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Veratrum viride grow?
Veratrum viride reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Veratrum viride hardy in the UK?
Veratrum viride has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
Is Veratrum viride toxic?
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
More in the Veratrum genus
- Veratrum grandiflorumLarge-flowered False Hellebore
- Veratrum stenophyllumFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum wilsoniiFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum yunnanenseFalse Hellebore