California False Hellebore (Veratrum Californicum) is a perennial herb in the Melanthiaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires high watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Veratrum californicum is a perennial herb native to western North America, known for its tall stature and white flowers.

California False Hellebore

California False Hellebore

Veratrum Californicum

Veratrum californicum is a perennial herb native to western North America, known for its tall stature and white flowers.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Water Needs
High
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
3-7

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, silty, moist
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:specimen plant, pollinator attractor, moisture-retentive groundcover

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for California False Hellebore

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

California False Hellebore
California False Hellebore detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Melanthiaceae
Genus:Veratrum