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White Hellebore (Veratrum album L.) Venomously Poisonous
| White Hellebore Veratrum album L. is a perennial, herbaceous, rhizomatous plant that is highly toxic. It produces steroidal alkaloids, which can cause skin irritations and is poisonous if injested (please contact a poison control center immediately!). It grows from 0.5 to 1.5m (1.4 to 4.9ft) in height and is located in damp meadows, along streams, and open areas in mountains at elevations from 800 to 2000m (260 to 660ft). Its range of habitat is from Southcentral Alaska to California and is even located in the same type of habitat in Northern Europe. |
| False Hellebore Veratrum eschsholtzii A.Gray is a sister species of White Hellebore that is also highly toxic and produces steroidal alkaloids. It grows slightly taller from 0.9 to 2.4m (3 to 8ft). It grows in low lying areas and swamps. It has been found in Southeastern Alaska, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna Mountains, Kodiak Island, and Bristol Bay area. Its range of habitat is the same as White Hellebore. |
| The two accompanying photos are of young shoots in early spring. At this time, they are the most poisonous. The adult plant leaves alternate and are pleated around the stalk. The White Hellebore has white spike flowers with the leaves wrapping around the stalk of the flower. The False Hellebore has green flowers with 3 petals each. |
| Symptoms: Hellebore has over 50 complex alkaloids, with potent hypotensive effects. If ingested by humans, some of the symptoms can be nausea, vomiting, dizziness, chills, low blood pressure, and slow heart rate. Animal symptoms can consist of abdominal pains, temporary blindness, diarrhea, slow heart rate, and vomiting. Atropine is used in intial treatment in humans. The most toxic part of the plant is the rhizome, root, and young shoot that will exert teratogenic effects. |
| After professional lab processing, the root stock of the plant is used as an ingredient in homeopathic medicine for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD & ADHD), Raynaud's disease, High Blood Pressure, Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual Problems, and PMS. The complete list can be found at the attached link. |
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| Article Compiled by Lesa Hollen |
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| Plant info: |
| Poisonous Plant Information & Treatment located at Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System : www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=78&p_type=all&p_sci=sci&p_x=px |
| Wild Edible & Poisonous Plants of Alaska. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Revised 1993. Visit their site at www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/ |
| Homeopathic Medicine info:www.liberherbarum.com/pn0166.htm |
| Enlarged photo of White Hellebore young shoot |
| Enlarged photo of White Hellebore Adult Blooming |
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White Hellebore (Veratrum album.L) in early Spring - photo © Alaskan Rose
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False Hellebore (Veratrum eschscholtzii) in early Spring- photo © Kathyrn Eberhart at SolsticeLight.com
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White Hellebore in Adult Blooming Stage - Photo by Colorado State University Poisonous Plants
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