Description

Hellebores are perennial herbaceous plants with fleshy rhizomes and rosettes of basal leaves. The leaves are evergreen and deeply dissected. The flowers are usually white, pink, or purple and have five sepals and no petals. The sepals are petaloid, meaning they look like petals. The fruits are follicles and contain numerous seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Hellebores are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are found in woodlands, meadows, and rocky areas. They prefer shady locations and moist, well-drained soil.

Uses

Hellebores have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are known for their cardiac glycosides, which are compounds that can affect the heart. Hellebores are also used to treat a variety of other ailments, including arthritis, gout, and cancer. However, hellebore is a poisonous plant and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist.

Additional information