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Description
Veratrum Parviflorum, commonly known as small-flowered corn lily or false hellebore, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It belongs to the Melanthiaceae family and is known for its large size and poisonous nature. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has long, broad leaves that form a rosette at the base of the stem. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and grow in dense clusters on tall spikes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Melanthiaceae |
| Genus | Veratrum |
Appearance
Veratrum Parviflorum is a large plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall, with long, broad leaves that form a rosette at the base of the stem. The leaves can be up to 18 inches long and 8 inches wide. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and grow in dense clusters on tall spikes that can be up to 3 feet long. The plant has a thick, fleshy root system that can be as deep as 3 feet.
Care Guide
Veratrum Parviflorum prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun, but may require more frequent watering. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilization is not necessary, but a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Veratrum Parviflorum is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Veratrum Parviflorum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. The plant is also poisonous and should not be ingested by humans or animals.
Habitat
Veratrum Parviflorum is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, marshes, and stream banks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Veratrum Parviflorum poisonous?
A: Yes, Veratrum Parviflorum is poisonous and should not be ingested by humans or animals.
Q: What is the ideal growing environment for Veratrum Parviflorum?
A: Veratrum Parviflorum prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Q: Can Veratrum Parviflorum tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, Veratrum Parviflorum can tolerate full sun, but may require more frequent watering.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Veratrum Parviflorum?
A: Veratrum Parviflorum is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
- Veratrum viride
- Veratrum album
- Veratrum nigrum
- Veratrum californicum
References
- “Veratrum Parviflorum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277143.
- “Veratrum Parviflorum.” North Carolina State University. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/veratrum-parviflorum/.
- “Small-Flowered Corn Lily.” USDA Forest Service. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/veratrum_parviflorum.shtml.
