Scientific Name
Veratrum viride
Common Name
False hellebore, hellebore, Indian poke

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Erect, perennial herb; leaves alternate, broad and strap-like, clasping at the base and with conspicuous parallel veins; flowers greenish yellow, in a large terminal cluster; fruit a capsule.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Mountains.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in moist woods, along stream banks
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Burning of mouth and throat, salivation, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, convulsions.
Toxic Principle
Steroidal alkaloids.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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