Black false hellebore Veratrum nigrum
Veratrum nigrum, commonly known as black false hellebore, is a perennial plant with a distinctive and stout appearance. Featuring a clump of broad, pleated leaves that are deep green in color, the foliage often has a slightly corrugated texture giving it a very lush look. Each leaf spreads out from the base of the plant, and as they rise, they form a spiral arrangement, which is both robust and attractive. During the blooming period, the black false hellebore produces tall stalks topped with dense clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. The blossoms are typically a deep purplish-black or greenish hue, which contrast starkly with the lighter green of the vegetative parts. Individual flowers have a unique, three-lobed shape with six pointed tepals. The overall appearance of the black false hellebore presents a contrasting palette of colors and a mix of textures, from the folded leaves to the intricate flowers. The visual impact of the plant is complemented by its tendency to grow in lush, moist envrionments, often adding to the greenery of the area. Despite its attractive looks, it is important to note that this plant is toxic and should not be ingested.
About this plant
Black False Hellebore, Black Veratrum
Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense, Veratrum lobelianum Bernh. not Bernh. ex Schult., Veratrum dahuricum (Turcz. ex Rupr.) Loes. f., Helonias nigra (L.) Ker Gawl., Melanthium nigrum (L.) Thunb., Veratrum schindleri O.Loes.
The plant known as black false hellebore is highly toxic to humans if ingested. The toxicity of black false hellebore is primarily due to the presence of steroidal alkaloids, including veratridine and germitrine. If ingested, the plant can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, it can lead to cardiac complications, manifested as bradycardia (slow heart rate) or arrhythmias. The nervous system may also be affected, potentially causing dizziness, headache, and visual disturbances. In severe cases, consumption can lead to organ failure, respiratory paralysis, or death. Even handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Black false hellebore is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The ingestion of any part of the plant can result in significant health issues due to the same steroidal alkaloids that affect humans. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, extreme drooling, weakness, and depression. Severe cases can lead to cardiovascular disturbances like hypotension or cardiac arrhythmias, as well as seizures and respiratory failure. Rapid veterinary intervention is crucial to manage the toxicity and reduce the risk of fatal consequences following ingestion of black false hellebore by pets.
Color of leaves
4 feet (1.22 meters)
2 feet (0.61 meters)
- General Benefits
- Erosion control - Veratrum nigrum has a robust root system which can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Habitat for wildlife - The plant provides shelter and food for various insects and animals.
- Ornamental use - With its striking foliage and dark blossoms, it is used for aesthetic purposes in gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator attraction - It attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Medical Properties
- Antihypertensive: Veratrum nigrum has been traditionally used to help lower blood pressure.
- Emetic: The plant has substances that can induce vomiting when ingested.
- Cathartic: It has been used as a strong laxative to treat constipation.
- Sedative: There is some indication that it may have a calming effect and could be used as a sedative.
- Antiparasitic: Compounds in Veratrum nigrum have been used to expel parasitic worms.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Veratrum nigrum, commonly known as black false hellebore, has been historically used as an insecticide; farmers would sometimes plant it among crops to ward off pests due to its toxic nature.
- In some regions, the roots of black false hellebore were used to poison arrow tips for hunting, capitalizing on the plant's toxic alkaloids.
- Black false hellebore has been used in traditional dyeing processes to achieve a yellow-green color, as it contains pigments that can tint textiles.
- The tall and robust stalks of black false hellebore can be used as a natural trellis in gardens for climbing plants.
- Due to its unpalatability, black false hellebore is sometimes planted as a natural perimeter barrier to deter herbivorous wildlife from entering gardens.
- In folklore, black false hellebore was believed to offer protection against evil spirits and was planted around homes for spiritual defense.
- Florists may use the dramatic leaves and stature of black false hellebore in floral arrangements and as a background plant in ornamental garden design.
- Some cultures have used the crushed leaves of the plant as a natural rodent repellent due to its strong scent and toxic properties.
- The distinct appearance of black false hellebore makes it an educational tool for botany studies, especially in discussions about plant defense mechanisms and toxicity.
- Photographers and artists sometimes feature black false hellebore in their work for its striking aesthetic qualities, particularly the deep coloration of its flowers and foliage.
- Feng Shui
The Black Hellebore is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Black Hellebore is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Deception: Veratrum nigrum, commonly known as Black False Hellebore, contains toxic alkaloids and can be mistaken for other less harmful plants. This property has led to its association with deception and mistaken identity.
- Protection: In some traditions, toxic plants like Black False Hellebore were believed to offer protection against evil spirits and negative influences due to their potent nature.
- Caution: The toxicity of Black False Hellebore serves as a natural warning to animals and humans alike, symbolizing the importance of caution and the need to avoid harm.
- Danger: The dangerous attributes of Black False Hellebore lead to its symbolism of hidden dangers, reminding us that not everything is as it appears on the surface.
False Hellebore (Veratrum nigrum) should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week during its growing season, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. The amount needed can vary depending on the soil type and weather conditions, but typically 1 to 1.5 gallons per week per plant is suitable. It's important not to over-water, as standing water or overly soggy soil can lead to root rot. During the dormant season, reduce watering frequency since the plant's water requirements decrease. Ensure the soil is partially dry before the next watering, as False Hellebore prefers a period of dryness between waterings.
False Hellebore thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives filtered sunlight or light shade throughout the day. Direct, harsh sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the foliage to scorch. A location under the canopy of tall trees or on the north side of a building would provide the best light conditions for the health and growth of Veratrum nigrum.
False Hellebore is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as about 70°F. The ideal temperature range for Veratrum nigrum is between 50°F and 65°F, offering a cool to moderate climate. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 70°F could stress the plant and affect its growth.
False Hellebore doesn't typically require regular pruning. Pruning may be necessary to remove any dead or damaged foliage to maintain the plant's health and appearance. The best time for pruning Veratrum nigrum is in the late fall or early spring before new growth starts. Generally, pruning once per year is adequate to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage healthy growth.
Black false hellebore, or Veratrum nigrum, thrives best in a moist, well-draining soil mix with high organic matter content. A pH ranging from 5.5 to 7 is ideal for this plant. An effective soil mixture can be prepared by combining loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Black false hellebore should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Care should be taken to minimize root disturbance during repotting due to the plant’s sensitivity.
- Humidity & Misting
Black false hellebore prefers moderate to high humidity levels. A range of 40-60% humidity is considered ideal for maintaining its health and vigor.
- Suitable locations
Grow in shade, keep soil moist, and ensure good air flow.
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil, protect from strong wind.
- Life cycle
The life of Veratrum nigrum, commonly known as Black false hellebore, begins with seed germination which occurs in moist, well-drained soil in partially shaded areas. After germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a basal rosette of leaves. Over several years, these rosettes grow larger as the plant matures vegetatively, storing energy in its rhizome. Upon reaching maturity, Veratrum nigrum produces upright flowering stems during the summer, which can reach up to 2 meters in height and bear numerous small, star-shaped, purple-black flowers. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into capsule-like fruits that release seeds when they dry and split open. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter, with new growth resuming from the rhizome in the spring.
Black false hellebore, known botanically as Veratrum nigrum, is a plant that can be propagated by seed or by dividing its rhizomes. The most popular method of propagation for black false hellebore is by dividing the rhizomes in early spring just as the plant emerges from dormancy. This involves digging up the mature plants and gently separating the rhizome clumps into smaller segments, each containing at least one growth bud. These segments are then replanted into the soil at the same depth they were previously growing, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Dividing the rhizomes allows for the proliferation of the plants while ensuring genetic consistency within the propagated specimens.
Black false hellebore (Veratrum nigrum) ni mmea wa kudumu unaoonekana kuwa na umbo la kipekee. Kwa kuwa majani yake ni ya rangi ya kijani-kibichi, mara nyingi huwa na umbo la mviringo, na hivyo huonekana kuwa yenye kupendeza. Kila jani huenea kutoka chini ya mmea, na linapopanda, hufanyiza mpangilio wa mviringo, ambao ni wenye nguvu na wenye kuvutia. Wakati wa maua, mti huo hutokeza shina refu lenye maua madogo yenye umbo la nyota. Maua ni kawaida ya rangi nyeusi ya zambarau au kijani kibichi, ambayo inatofautiana sana na kijani kibichi cha sehemu za mimea. Maua ya kipekee yana umbo la kipekee lenye vipande vitatu na tepali sita zenye ncha. Kwa ujumla, mti huo una rangi tofauti-tofauti na una mchanganyiko wa maumbo mbalimbali, kuanzia majani yaliyojipinda hadi maua yenye kuvutia. Mimea hiyo inaonekana vizuri kwa sababu ya uwezo wake wa kukua katika maeneo yenye unyevunyevu na yenye rutuba, na hivyo huongeza kijani kibichi cha eneo hilo. Licha ya kuonekana vizuri, ni muhimu kutambua kwamba mmea huo ni wenye sumu na haupaswi kuliwa. Mimea ya Black False Hellebore, Black Veratrum na Veratrum nigrum Usuriense, Veratrum lobelianum Bernh. si Bernh. ex Schult., Veratrum dahuricum (Turcz. ex Rupr.) Loes. f., Helonias nigra (L.) Ker Gawl., Melanthium nigrum (L.) Thunb., Veratrum schindleri O.Loes. Mti unaojulikana kama black false hellebore ni wenye sumu sana kwa wanadamu ukila. Ugonjwa wa hellebore nyeusi bandia ni hasa kutokana na uwepo wa alkaloids steroidal, ikiwa ni pamoja na veratridine na germitrine. Ikiwa imelaumiwa, mmea huo waweza kusababisha dalili kali za mfumo wa matumbo kama vile kutapika na kuhara. Kwa kuongezea, inaweza kusababisha matatizo ya moyo, yanayoonekana kama bradycardia (kiwango cha polepole cha moyo) au arrhythmias. Mfumo wa neva waweza pia kuathiriwa, na huenda ukasababisha kizunguzungu, maumivu ya kichwa, na matatizo ya kuona. Katika visa vikali, matumizi ya dawa hiyo yanaweza kusababisha kushindwa kwa viungo, kupooza kwa njia ya kupumua, au kifo. Hata kushughulikia mmea huo nyakati nyingine kwaweza kusababisha kuchochea ngozi au athari za mzio kwa watu fulani. Mti wa hellebore mweusi bandia pia ni sumu sana kwa wanyama-vipenzi, kutia ndani mbwa na paka. Kuingiza sehemu yoyote ya mmea inaweza kusababisha masuala makubwa ya afya kutokana na alkaloids sawa ya steroid ambayo huathiri wanadamu. Dalili za sumu kwa wanyama wa kufugwa zaweza kutia ndani kutapika, kuhara, maumivu ya tumbo, kutapika sana, udhaifu, na mshuko wa moyo. Matukio mabaya yanaweza kusababisha matatizo ya moyo kama vile hypotension au arrhythmias ya moyo, pamoja na mshtuko na kushindwa kupumua. Uingiliaji wa haraka wa mifugo ni muhimu kusimamia sumu na kupunguza hatari ya matokeo ya kifo baada ya kumeza hellebore nyeusi bandia na wanyama wa pets. Veratrum nigrum ina mfumo thabiti wa mizizi ambayo inaweza kusaidia kuimarisha udongo na kuzuia mmomonyoko. - Makao ya wanyama-pori - Mti huo hutoa makao na chakula kwa wadudu na wanyama mbalimbali. - Matumizi ya mapambo - Kwa majani yake yenye kuvutia na maua yake meusi, hutumiwa kwa madhumuni ya urembo katika bustani na mandhari. -Vichokozi vya vimelea - Inavutia nyuki na vimelea vingine, ikiunga mkono utofauti wa kibiolojia. - Mali za kitiba - Antihypertensive: Veratrum nigrum imekuwa ikitumiwa kwa kawaida kusaidia kupunguza shinikizo la damu. - Emetic: Mti huo una vitu vinavyoweza kusababisha kutapika unapomezwa. - Cathartic: Imekuwa kutumika kama laxative nguvu kutibu constipation. - Sedative: Kuna baadhi ya dalili kwamba inaweza kuwa na athari ya kutuliza na inaweza kutumika kama sedative. - Antiparasitic: Misombo katika Veratrum nigrum imetumiwa kuondoa minyoo ya vimelea. - Sifa za kusafisha hewa Mti huu haujulikani hasa kwa sifa za kusafisha hewa. Veratrum nigrum, pia inajulikana kama Black false hellebore, ni dawa ya kuua wadudu ambayo hutumiwa na wakulima katika kilimo chao ili kuondoa wadudu. Katika maeneo fulani, mizizi ya mti huo ilitumiwa kuua kwa sumu makali ya mishale ili kuwinda, kwa kutumia kemikali zenye sumu za mmea huo. - Hellebore nyeusi bandia imekuwa kutumika katika taratibu za jadi dyeing kufikia rangi ya manjano-kijani, kama ina rangi ambayo inaweza rangi nguo. - Vipande virefu na vyenye nguvu vya mti mweusi wa hellebore vinaweza kutumiwa kama trellis ya asili katika bustani kwa ajili ya mimea ya kupanda. - Kwa sababu ya hali yake mbaya, wakati mwingine hellebore nyeusi bandia hupandwa kama kizuizi cha asili cha kuzunguka ili kuzuia wanyama-pori wenye kula mimea wasiingie bustani. Katika hadithi za watu, mti wa hellebore wa uwongo uliaminiwa kulinda dhidi ya roho mbaya na uliwekwa karibu na nyumba kwa ajili ya ulinzi wa kiroho. - Wafanyabiashara wa maua wanaweza kutumia majani yenye kuvutia na kimo cha hellebore nyeusi bandia katika mapambo ya maua na kama mmea wa nyuma katika kubuni bustani za mapambo. - Baadhi ya tamaduni zimetumia majani yaliyopondwa ya mmea huo kama dawa ya asili ya kuua panya kwa sababu ya harufu yake kali na sumu yake. Hellebore nyeusi ni chombo cha elimu kwa ajili ya masomo ya mimea, hasa katika majadiliano kuhusu mifumo ya ulinzi wa mimea na sumu. Picha za hellebore nyeusi za uwongo huonekana mara nyingi katika kazi zao kwa sababu ya sifa zake za kupendeza, hasa rangi nyangavu ya maua na majani yake. - Feng Shui Black Hellebore haitumiki katika mazoezi ya Feng Shui. - Upatanaji wa Ishara za Zodiaki Hellebore Nyeusi haitumiki katika mazoezi ya unajimu. "Mimea ya ""Veratrum nigrum"" (kwa Kiingereza: Veratrum nigrum) ni aina ya mimea ya asili ya Afrika Kusini inayojulikana kama ""Black false hellebore"" ambayo ina alkaloids zenye sumu na inaweza kuchanganyikiwa na mimea mingine isiyo na madhara." Sifa hiyo imesababisha iunganishwe na udanganyifu na utambulisho usiofaa. Katika baadhi ya mapokeo, mimea yenye sumu kama vile Black False Hellebore iliaminiwa kutoa ulinzi dhidi ya roho mbaya na ushawishi mbaya kutokana na asili yao yenye nguvu. "Hii ni kwa sababu sumu ya ""Black False Hellebore"" ni ishara ya kuonya wanyama na wanadamu, na inaonyesha umuhimu wa tahadhari na haja ya kuepuka madhara." "Hili ni kwa sababu sifa za hatari za Black False Hellebore zinaongoza kwa ufananisho wake wa hatari zilizofichwa, kutukumbusha kwamba sio kila kitu ni kama inavyoonekana juu ya uso. """ Mti wa Hellebore (Veratrum nigrum) unapaswa kunyunyizia maji kwa kina mara moja kwa wiki wakati wa msimu wake wa kukua, kuhakikisha maji hufikia eneo la mizizi. Kiasi kinachohitajika kinaweza kutofautiana kulingana na aina ya udongo na hali ya hewa, lakini kwa kawaida lita 1 hadi 1.5 kwa wiki kwa mmea ni sahihi. Ni muhimu kutokuwa na maji mengi kupita kiasi, kwa kuwa maji yaliyosimama au udongo wenye unyevunyevu kupita kiasi waweza kusababisha kuoza kwa mizizi. Wakati wa msimu wa kupumzika, punguza mzunguko wa kumwagilia maji kwa kuwa mahitaji ya mimea ya maji hupungua. Hakikisha udongo umekauka kwa sehemu kabla ya kunyunyizia maji mara ya pili, kwa kuwa Hellebore bandia hupendelea kipindi cha ukame kati ya kunyunyizia maji. Mti wa Hellebore bandia hufanikiwa katika kivuli kidogo hadi kivuli kamili. Sehemu bora ya kupanda mmea huu ni mahali ambapo kuna jua au kivuli kidogo mchana kutwa. Nuru ya jua ya moja kwa moja na kali inapaswa kuepukwa kwa sababu inaweza kusababisha majani kuchoma. Sehemu iliyo chini ya miti mirefu au upande wa kaskazini wa jengo hutoa hali bora ya mwanga kwa afya na ukuaji wa Veratrum nigrum. Hellebore ya uwongo ni ngumu na inaweza kuvumilia joto la chini kama 0 ° F na juu kama 70 ° F. Kiwango cha joto cha kawaida cha Veratrum nigrum ni kati ya 50 ° F na 65 ° F, na hutoa hali ya hewa ya baridi hadi wastani. Ni muhimu kulinda mimea kutoka kwa joto kali, kwani joto la juu ya 70 ° F inaweza kusababisha mimea na kuathiri ukuaji wake. Kwa kawaida, mti wa Hellebore bandia hauhitaji kukatwa kwa ukawaida. Huenda ikawa lazima kukata miti ili kuondoa majani yaliyokufa au yaliyoharibiwa ili kudumisha afya na sura ya mmea huo. Wakati mzuri wa kupanda Veratrum nigrum ni mwishoni mwa vuli au mapema katika majira ya kuchipua kabla ya ukuaji mpya kuanza. Kwa kawaida, kupunguzwa mara moja kwa mwaka kunatosha ili mmea huo uwe na umbo zuri na ukuzi wenye afya. Mti wa hellebore mweusi, au Veratrum nigrum, hukua vizuri katika mchanganyiko wa udongo wenye unyevunyevu na wenye maji mengi na wenye kiasi kikubwa cha vitu vya kikaboni. Kiwango cha pH cha 5.5 hadi 7 ni bora kwa mimea hii. Mchanganyiko mzuri wa udongo waweza kutengenezwa kwa kuchanganya udongo wa bustani wenye udongo, mchanga, na perlite au mchanga mkali ili kuboresha mifereji ya maji. Hellebore nyeusi ya uwongo inapaswa kupandwa kila baada ya miaka miwili hadi mitatu. Uangalifu unapaswa kuchukuliwa kupunguza usumbufu wa mizizi wakati wa kupandikiza kwa sababu ya unyeti wa mmea. - Unyevu & Misting Black hellebore bandia anapendelea wastani kwa viwango vya juu vya unyevu. Kiwango cha unyevu wa 40-60% ni bora kwa ajili ya afya na nguvu. - Maeneo yanayofaa Kukua katika kivuli, kuweka udongo unyevu, na kuhakikisha mtiririko mzuri wa hewa. Kupanda katika kivuli cha sehemu, kutajirisha udongo, kulinda kutoka upepo mkali. "Mti wa Veratrum nigrum, unaojulikana kama ""Black false hellebore,"" huanza na kuota kwa mbegu katika udongo wenye unyevunyevu na wenye maji mengi katika maeneo yenye kivuli kidogo." Baada ya kuchipuka, miche hiyo huwa mimea midogo yenye majani mengi. Kwa miaka kadhaa, roseti hizo hukua kadiri mmea huo unavyokomaa, na hivyo kuhifadhi nishati katika mizizi yake. Baada ya kukomaa, Veratrum nigrum hutoa shina la maua la juu wakati wa majira ya joto, ambalo linaweza kufikia urefu wa mita mbili na kuzaa maua mengi madogo yenye umbo la nyota. Baada ya kupandikizwa, kwa kawaida na wadudu, maua hayo huwa matunda yanayofanana na vidonge na ambayo hutokeza mbegu zinapokauka na kugawanyika. Kisha mmea huo huingia katika kipindi cha usingizi wakati wa majira ya baridi kali, na ukuzi mpya huanza tena kutoka kwenye mizizi katika majira ya kuchipua. "Mti wa hellebore ni aina ya mimea inayoitwa ""veratrum nigrum"" ambayo inaweza kuenezwa kwa mbegu au kwa kugawanya rhizomes." Njia maarufu zaidi ya kueneza hellebore nyeusi ni kwa kugawanya rhizomes mapema katika majira ya kuchipua kama vile mmea hutoka katika hali ya usingizi. Hii inahusisha kuchimba mimea iliyokomaa na kwa upole kutenganisha makundi ya rhizome katika sehemu ndogo, kila moja ikiwa na angalau bud moja ya ukuaji. Sehemu hizo hupandwa tena kwenye udongo kwa kina kile kile ambacho zilikuwa zikikua hapo awali, zikiwa na umbali wa sentimeta 12 (sentimeta 30 hivi) kutoka kwa nyingine ili kuruhusu nafasi ya kutosha kwa ajili ya ukuaji. Kugawanya rhizomes inaruhusu kuenea kwa mimea wakati kuhakikisha uthabiti wa maumbile ndani ya sampuli propagated.