False hellebore

<em> Veratrum viride</em>

Seldom seen in gardens, the very tropical looking false hellebore is a member of the lily family. It has enormous pleated leaves and long clusters of tiny, greenish flowers in late summer. It is very dramatic and beautiful, but can be difficult to obtain. Seed to bloom averages seven to nine years. This plant is poisonous if eaten, and can live for decades