Veratrum californicum, commonly known as California corn lily or false hellebore, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America. It can grow up to 2 meters tall and features large, broad leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem. The plant produces clusters of small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
California corn lily thrives in moist meadows and along streams, at elevations ranging from sea level to 3,000 meters. It prefers cool temperatures and moist soil conditions.
The plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause serious health problems if ingested by humans or animals. Despite its toxicity, Native American tribes have historically used it for medicinal purposes, such as treating headaches and rheumatism.
Due to its limited distribution range and vulnerability to habitat loss from human activities like logging and development, Veratrum californicum is an important species for conservation efforts.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Veratrum
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-8
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 1.83 m
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 30.48 cm to 60.96 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
