Status:
valid
Authors:
Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1809
Citation Micro:
Enum. Pl. : 592 (1809)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000719185
Common Names
- Fragrant hellebore
- Odorous hellebore
- Sweet hellebore
Description
Helleborus odorus (also called Fragrant hellebore, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in moist, shady habitats. It is a small, perennial herb with white or pink flowers and a strong, pungent odor.
Uses & Benefits
Helleborus odorus is a perennial flowering plant that is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. It is also used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Helleborus odorus sub. laxus (Host) Merxm. & Podlech
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Helleborus odorus is white and has five petals. The seed is small, round and black. The seedlings are thin and have a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Helleborus odorus is a perennial plant that can be grown from seed or propagated by division. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade and can tolerate full sun. It is hardy to USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C). It is best to plant the seeds in the fall and to keep the soil moist until germination. Division can be done in the spring or fall. The plant can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer.
Where to Find Helleborus odorus
Helleborus odorus is found in the mountains of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Helleborus odorus FAQ
What is the common name of Helleborus odorus?
Sweet hellebore
What type of plant is Helleborus odorus?
Perennial
What is the optimal soil type for Helleborus odorus?
Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Species in the Helleborus genus
Helleborus bocconei,
Helleborus colchicus,
Helleborus croaticus,
Helleborus cyclophyllus,
Helleborus dumetorum,
Helleborus foetidus,
Helleborus lividus,
Helleborus multifidus,
Helleborus niger,
Helleborus odorus,
Helleborus orientalis,
Helleborus purpurascens,
Helleborus thibetanus,
Helleborus vesicarius,
Helleborus viridis,
Helleborus mucheri,
Species in the Ranunculaceae family
Aconitum soyaense,
Aconitum abietetorum,
Aconitum acutiusculum,
Aconitum ajanense,
Aconitum alboflavidum,
Aconitum alboviolaceum,
Aconitum alpino-nepalense,
Aconitum ambiguum,
Aconitum amplexicaule,
Aconitum angulatum,
Aconitum angusticassidatum,
Aconitum angustifolium,
Aconitum anthora,
Aconitum apetalum,
Aconitum aquilonare,
Aconitum artemisiifolium,
Aconitum assamicum,
Aconitum atlanticum,
Aconitum austriacum,
Aconitum austrokoreense,
Aconitum axilliflorum,
Aconitum azumiense,
Aconitum baburinii,
Aconitum baicalense,
Aconitum baicalense,
Aconitum bailangense,
Aconitum barbatum,
Aconitum baumgartenianum,
Aconitum berdaui,
Aconitum bhedingense,
Aconitum bicolor,
Aconitum biflorum,
Aconitum brachypodum,
Aconitum bracteolatum,
Aconitum brevicalcaratum,
Aconitum brevilimbum,
Aconitum brevipetalum,
Aconitum brunneum,
Aconitum bucovinense,
Aconitum bujbense,
Aconitum bulbilliferum,
Aconitum bulleyanum,
Aconitum burnatii,
Aconitum calthifolium,
Aconitum cammarum,
Aconitum campylorrhynchum,
Aconitum cannabifolium,
Aconitum carmichaelii,
Aconitum changianum,
Aconitum charkeviczii,