Species library · Plants & herbs

False Hellebore: deadly poisonous

Veratrum lobelianum

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

False Hellebore is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from April to August in the northern hemisphere. Found in Grassland, Woodland edges, Wetland.

☠ Deadly poisonous
False Hellebore (Veratrum lobelianum)

Photo: (c) Сергей Крыленко, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Сергей Крыленко · iNaturalist

When False Hellebore appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

False Hellebore is usually found in Grassland, Woodland edges, Wetland.

Look up False Hellebore in the app

In the Forage app, False Hellebore has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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False Hellebore: common questions

Is False Hellebore poisonous?

Yes. False Hellebore is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does False Hellebore appear?

False Hellebore usually appears from April to August in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does False Hellebore grow?

False Hellebore is usually found in Grassland, Woodland edges, Wetland.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits