#Veratrumviride, known as #Indianpoke, #corn-lily, #Indianhellebore, #falsehellebore, #greenfalsehellebore, or #giantfalse-helleborine, is a species of #Veratrum native to eastern and western North America. It is extremely toxic, and is considered a pest plant with livestock. But it gorgeous!
The emergence stage. In early spring, vibrant green heavily ribbed shoots emerging from the leaf litter.
The leafing stage. The leaves unfurl into Large oval, pleated leaves spiraling up a stalk. This one isn't in pristine condition and has some of its leaves torn.
The flowering stage. A cluster of green star-shaped flowers. The flowers are green and ribbed, matching the rest of the plant. Numerous clusters like this one dangle in a drooping manner up a tall stalk.
The fruiting stage. Clusters of green football-shaped seed pods develop along the stalk. Find the sawflies.
The various growth stages of green false hellebore (Veratrum viride). #plantsky #swamps #falsehellebore #botany
Old scientific illustration of false hellebore. Fig 1. Leaf and flowers. Large green leaf looks similar to skunk cabbage leaves. The flowers have 6 petals and are the same shade of green as the rest of the plant. Fig. 2. Petals Fig 3. Stamens Fig. 4. Pistils Fig. 5. Capsules Fig. 6. Section of capsule. Fig. 7. Seed
Vintage illustration of false hellebore (Veratrum viride).
Source: American Medical Botany (1817). Illustrator is Jacob Bigelow.
#Vintage #SciArt #OldBooks #FalseHellebore #PlantSky
"Spring Green on the Forest Floor"
#FalseHellebore #Mayapple #MonongahelaNationalForest #AlmostHeaven #WestVirginia #Highlands #Green #BlueSkyArtShow #ThePhotoHour