False Hellebore
Veratrum viride
native
Other Names:
Indian Poke, American False Hellebore, Green False Hellebore, Indian Hellebore, Giant False Helleborine, Bear Corn, Corn Lily, Devils Bite, Itchweed, Poor Annie, Tickleweed
False Hellebore is a native plant in the lily family. It is found in eastern and western North America, but not in the central part. It is extremely toxic, containing a steroidal alkaloid capable of killing humans and livestock who eat it. False Hellebore was used by some Native American tribes in rituals to elect a new leader. The candidates would eat some of the roots, and the last one to vomit would be the new leader.
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