Overview
Veratrum yunnanense is a garden plant in the genus Veratrum, part of the Melanthiaceae family. It is native to Yunnan and China.
About
Veratrum yunnanense is a vigorous herbaceous perennial in the Melanthiaceae from Yunnan, China, producing erect stems topped by panicles of white or brown flowers. It favours deep, wet soils and open positions in the landscape. The plant has strongly poisonous black rhizomes, so care is needed during planting and removal. Flowering occurs June to July.
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
A member of the Melanthiaceae native to Yunnan, China, Veratrum yunnanense forms tall, erect stems with clusters of white or brown flowers. The species belongs to a group of vigorous herbaceous perennials that typically occupy damp, montane ground; it prefers full sun and consistently deep, wet soil and is commonly found near streams and in wet meadows at its native altitude. Expect blooms in June to July. Plant into moisture-retentive, fertile ground where water does not readily drain away; the rootstock is a black, poisonous rhizome so avoid planting where children or grazing animals have access. Give the crown space for air circulation and place where the tall flower stems can be supported if exposed to strong winds. Cut back dead stems in late autumn or early spring to tidy the clump. In a UK garden Veratrum yunnanense suits bog gardens, stream or pond margins and large, damp perennial beds where seasonally wet conditions prevail. Gloves and care are essential when handling the rhizomes because the plant contains potent steroidal alkaloids that are toxic if ingested or handled without protection.
Plant details
Veratrum yunnanense size, habit and characteristics
- Native to
- Yunnan, China
More in the Veratrum genus
- Veratrum grandiflorumLarge-flowered False Hellebore
- Veratrum stenophyllumFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum wilsoniiFalse Hellebore