Species library · Plants & herbs

Green False Hellebore: deadly poisonous

Veratrum viride

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

Green 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 January to December in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Wetland.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Green False Hellebore (Veratrum viride)

Photo: (c) 101595408250610106310, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by 101595408250610106310 · iNaturalist

When Green False Hellebore appears

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

Where it grows

Green False Hellebore is usually found in Woodland, Wetland.

Look up Green False Hellebore in the app

In the Forage app, Green 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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Green False Hellebore: common questions

Is Green False Hellebore poisonous?

Yes. Green 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 Green False Hellebore appear?

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

Where does Green False Hellebore grow?

Green False Hellebore is usually found in Woodland, 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