Helleborus foetidus - Stinking hellebore

Helleborus foetidus, also known as Stinking Hellebore, is a perennial that stands upright at the beginning of flowering and gradually bends over. These biennial and robust stems, 30 to 45cm (12 to 18in) tall, are glabrous (lacking leaves at the collar) but densely leafy below the inflorescence. Blooming early from January to April, it bears compound cymes of numerous small bell-shaped flowers, 1 to 3cm (0.5 to 1in) in diameter. These flowers are inclined to protect themselves from bad weather and symmetrical. They are pale green in colour, bordered with purple. They have numerous stamens, larger than the petals, inserted spirally as in all Ranunculaceae.

Following flowering, the Stinking Hellebore produces dry fruits releasing several seeds. These seeds were formerly used in the Middle Ages for their supposed purgative virtue to treat madness. The dark green leaves of this variety emit an unpleasant smell when crushed. They are divided into 7 to 10 narrow and lanceolate lobes. They are evergreen leaves that measure 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in) long. They become darker in winter. They are arranged horizontally around the stem.

Helleborus foetidus produces a large quantity of pollen. Native to western and central Europe, it is a perennial that does not last long, from 3 to 4 years. It reaches a height of 80cm (32in) at maturity. It is also a very hardy plant. It is visited by dipterous insects, bees, and bumblebees. It is found in undergrowth, shaded flower beds, as well as in scrubland and rocky areas. It is a plant that brightens up our winter walks. This Hellebore is a close relative of Helleborus niger. It is also a plant that can be toxic.