Hellebores.org: Helleborus foetidus

Helleborus foetidus, Linnaeus (1753)

Perennial, glabrous: height variable, to around 32" in flower
Leaves along stem, pedate, lateral leaflets deeply divided into narrow
lobes: wintergreen
Flowers small and green, pendent, less than 1" in diameter; produced
on single terminal inflorescence in clusters above foliage
Widespread throughout much of western, central and southern Europe
Woodland, scrub, open rocky areas to around 6000'

The stinking (bear-foot) hellebore is quite widespread and occurs throughout
much of Europe. Though fairly common and readily available, it is perhaps
one of the more under-rated hellebores. Few hellebores are as magnificent
during the coldest days of winter prior to blooming. The foliage can be
breathtaking when little else in the garden is visible. Also, despite its common
name, it is not noticeably malodorous.

The color of the foliage varies, but in very cold weather, the color tends to
deepen dramatically. Many plants have distinctive red markings on the leaves
and petioles and on the rim of the sepals. The foliage varies from bright green
(even yellow-green) to very dark, almost slate. The leaves are deeply divided
into numerous segments and are held horizontally along the stem, though the
central leaflet is undivided. Leaflets are narrow and neatly serrated. At or near
ground level leaves are typically absent. Individual stems live but a short time;
often they grow for one year and bloom the following year before fading. If cut
back, they are soon replaced with new growth. Like other caulescent
hellebores, it is fairly quick (by hellebore standards) from seed to bloom, often
blooming in its second year. In some gardens it can be short-lived but is
easily replaced by young, quickly maturing seedlings.

The green flowers are borne high above the foliage in copious amounts along
with pale green bracts that contrast well with the darker foliage. Though small,
the many flowers produce plenty of pollen, and it is liberally distributed by
bees. Consequently, H. foetidus is a prolific producer of seeds and seedlings.
A couple of plants can produce a small colony in a matter of years. It is a
favorite of bumble bees and ants, and in early spring plants are often covered
by insects to a degree I don't often witness in other species. The presence of
ants is likely in part due to the elaiosome present on seeds. Ants also aid in
seed distribution which often explains why new seedlings will emerge
significant distances away from the parent plant. I have seedlings ten meters
and several feet higher in elevation from the original plants.

Though nice as a shrubby ground-cover or in groups, at around 2-2.5 feet
high, the plant is particularly impressive as a single specimen when given
plenty of sun. All and all it is an unmistakable plant and a wlecome contrast to
garden hybrids and acaulescent hellebores.