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Helleborus viridis, Linnaeus (1753) Perennial, glabrous to slightly hairy, 8-16" in flower Leaves basal, pedate, serrate, 7-13 segments; not wintergreen Flowers green, 1.5-2" in diameter Austria, N. Italy, S. Germany, Switzerland, France? Woodland, scrub to around 3000' Formerly grouped with Helleborus occidentalis. Helleborus viridis is not commonly found in gardens but can be a very attractive plant. It has similarities with H. occidentalis but occurs in a more southerly range, primarily centered on northern Italy and the surrounding alpine regions. It is overall a larger plant than H. occidentalis and resembles Helleborus purpurascens in general form. Some other features that distinguish it from H. occidentalis include: Flowers opening flat and initially less curved toward the tips of the sepals Leaves less obviously serrate Leaflets divided further down near the base. Presence of small hairs underneath the leaflets giving the leaves a thicker feel. More elongated follicles (From Mathew and McLewin. "Helleborus viridis", Plantsman 1:3 September 2002, 150-153.) H. viridis grows in proximity to northern H. bocconei in Italy and plants can be found that seem very much intermediate between the two. H. viridis is easy to grow and an underutilized species. Though not often encountered, seed is occasionally available. Like H. occidentalis, H. viridis benefits from some dappled shade in areas of long-hot summers, but ample light is necessary for profuse blooming. Leaves can begin to fade and go dormant in summer in hot and dry conditions.

H. abruzzicus H. argutifolius H. atrorubens H. bocconei H. croaticus H. cyclophyllus H. dumetorum H. foetidus H. hercegovinus H. istriacus H. liguricus H. lividus H. multifidus H. niger H. occidentalis H. odorus H. orientalis H. purpurascens H. thibetanus H. torquatus H. vesicarius 'New' Hellebores

Wild Helleborus viridis. Closeups show rare spotting at the base of the sepals. Photos by Matthias Thomsen.