Russell Stafford
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Veratrum
Plant Common Name
Veratrum
General Description
Comprising more than 25 species of large, moisture-loving perennials from north temperate regions, veratrums are grown for their handsome, bold, often pleated leaves, and for their tall spires of oddly colored flowers.
The large, lance-shaped to oval leaves of these hardy perennials are borne on sturdy stems that arise in early spring from thick black underground rhizomes. The mid- to deep-green leaves typically have numerous prominent fan-like pleats. In late spring or early summer the leaf stems may elongate into stately flowering stems with numerous side branches crowded with small star-shaped flowers. Most veratrums bloom in subdued tones of white, green, or maroon. The flowers are followed by ovoid capsules containing large winged disc-shaped seeds. Plants may go dormant after flowering.
Most veratrums do best in partial shade and moist, humus-rich soil. V. viride from eastern North American is a wetland native that thrives in stream edges and swamps. Plants mature slowly, taking many years to go from seed to bloom. These perennials make striking and unusual accents for informal shade borders and naturalistic woodland gardens. Veratrums are toxic if consumed; see http://www.plantbio.uga.edu/PPG/Plant%20Summary%20Pages/veratrum_spp.htm .
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Native To
North America, Europe, Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
