Common Name: Hellebore

Scientific Name: Helleborus

Family: Ranunculaceae 

Habitat: Woodlands

Native: No

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Time: Winter, Spring

Height: Up to 15 inches

Light: Partial sun to partial shade

Soil: Well drained, Loamy

Other: Highly Poisonous

Description: Near the end of winter, before any other flowers have bloomed, you may notice the Hellebore flower opening its pink, purple, and white petals in the Woodland Garden. The Hellebore flower, which is also known as the Lenten Rose, usually blooms between late February and early March, even in cold winter weather. When the Hellebore flower is not in bloom, it can also be identified by its broad, evergreen leaves. Although the Hellebore flower is beautiful to behold, beware! The Hellebore is highly poisonous to humans and can be deadly if ingested. The Woodland Garden at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve is home to several varieties of Hellebore, including Helleborus x hybridus, Helleborus orientalis, and Helleborus x ericsmithii.