Helleborus foetidus
Ellébore fétide
Stinking Hellebore
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Sainte Baume |
| Flower colour | green |
| Flower size | 10-30 mm |
| Flowering months | January, February, March, April |
| Leaf type | Digitate |
| Height | 80 cm |
Description
The leaves, when crushed, have an unpleasant smell, hence its common name ‘Stinking Hellebore’. The foliage stays on the plant through winter. The nectaries contain yeast, which raises the temperature of the plant, thus releasing volatile compounds which attract bees and other insects.
Well-drained, limestone soil, in dappled shade.
Useful garden plant in shady areas.
Flowers
The nodding, bell-shaped flowers are yellowish-green with a purple border. They have 5 sepals, numerous stamens and an inner ring of small cup-like nectaries (modified petals to hold nectar).
Leaves
Digitate leaflets are finger-like. Finger-like, deep green, serrated, 7-10 leaflets, narrow.
Fruits Seeds
Follicle: 3 small compartments of the ovary full of grains, opening on one side to release the seeds.
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