Stinking Hellebore is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in hedgerows and scrubland, especially on alkaline soils, to a mature height of up to 80cm.
Although named 'Stinking' Hellebore, the plant only really smells bad when its leaves are crushed, and this native plant is commonly used as a garden plant.
Botanic classification and naming: Stinking Hellebore is a member of the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. The genus name
'Helleborus' identifies the plant as a Hellebore and its species name 'foetidus' means 'bad-smelling plant'.
Concerns: All parts of Stinking Hellebore are highly poisonous, containing toxins affecting the nervous and digestive sytems.
Benefits: An early food source for bees and other insects, with each flower providing up to ten nectaries.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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