California False Hellebore

What is California False Hellebore?

California false hellebore (Veratrum californicum) is a native perennial that’s truly a giant among wildflowers. This impressive forb can reach up to 6 feet tall, making it one of the most imposing herbaceous plants you’ll encounter in western wetlands. Despite being an herbaceous plant with no woody stems, it commands attention with its massive, deeply pleated leaves and towering spikes of small white flowers.

Wetland Status

The rule of seasoned gardeners and landscapers is to choose the "right plant for the right place" matching plants to their ideal growing conditions, so they'll thrive with less work and fewer inputs. But the simplicity of this catchphrase conceals how tricky plant selection is. While tags list watering requirements, there's more to the story.

Knowing a plant's wetland status can simplify the process by revealing the interaction between plants, water, and soil. Surprisingly, many popular landscape plants are wetland species! And what may be a wetland plant in one area, in another it might thrive in drier conditions. Also, it helps you make smarter gardening choices and grow healthy plants with less care and feeding, saving you time, frustration, and money while producing an attractive garden with greater ecological benefits.

Regions

Status

Moisture Conditions

Arid West

FACW

Facultative Wetland - Plants with this status usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands

Great Plains

OBL

Obligate Wetland - Plants with this status almost always occurs in wetlands

Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast

FAC

Facultative - Plants with this status can occur in wetlands and non-wetlands