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Ranunculaceae
Bearsfoot Hellebore
Helleborus foetidus
Overcoming darkness.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Helleborus
- Native to
- Western Europe, Central Europe
- Bloom season
- Winter, Spring
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- well-drained, alkaline to neutral
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 5-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The species name 'foetidus' means stinking, referring to the unpleasant smell released when leaves are crushed.
- It is one of the earliest perennials to bloom, often flowering in January or February when snow is still on the ground.
- The bell-shaped flowers never fully open, remaining cupped to protect pollen from rain and cold.
- Despite being toxic to humans, early-season queen bumblebees rely heavily on its nectar as one of the first food sources available.
- The deeply divided, palm-shaped leaves inspired the common name 'bearsfoot' due to their resemblance to an animal paw.
Color meanings
0
hope in adversity
1
quiet strength