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Corsican Hellebore Wikimedia Commons
Ranunculaceae

Corsican Hellebore

Helleborus argutifolius

Fortitude in adversity.

Family
Ranunculaceae
Genus
Helleborus
Native to
Corsica, Sardinia
Bloom season
Winter, Spring
Type
perennial herb
Height
2-4 ft
Sunlight
part shade to full shade
Soil
moist, well-drained, alkaline soil
Water
moderate
Hardiness
6-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Corsican hellebore is the largest-flowered species in the hellebore genus, with clusters of up to 30 cup-shaped blooms.
  • The sharply toothed, leathery leaves are evergreen and provide architectural interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
  • All hellebores contain protoanemonin and other toxins; in ancient Greek warfare, hellebore was reportedly used to poison water supplies.
  • The species name 'argutifolius' means 'sharp-leaved,' describing the conspicuous teeth along the leaf margins.
  • Corsican hellebore can tolerate dry shade once established, a notoriously difficult niche for most flowering plants.

Color meanings

0

serenity

1

protection

Uses

  • winter shade garden
  • woodland underplanting