California veratrum (Veratrum californicum, J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, ser. 2, 3: 103 (1855))

Family: Melanthiaceae

Author: Durand

Bibliography: J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, ser. 2, 3: 103 (1855)

Year: 1855

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veratrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A. to New Mexico and Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango)

Description

California veratrum, scientifically known as Veratrum californicum, is a member of the Melanthiaceae family. This distinctive perennial plant made its debut in botanical literature in 1855, thanks to the author Durand whose work was catalogued in the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

Native to the western regions of the United States, California veratrum extends its reach into New Mexico and even further south into parts of Mexico, specifically Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango. This species thrives in these regions’ specific climates and elevations, embodying the rugged beauty of its native landscapes.

California veratrum is known for its striking appearance, with tall, robust stalks that can reach impressive heights. These stalks are adorned with clusters of greenish-white flowers, creating a striking visual contrast against the lush, broad leaves that characterize the plant. Each blossom is a delicate star-shaped structure, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal in natural settings.

This plant’s preferred habitats include moist meadows, streambanks, and wet slopes, where it can soak up the moisture it needs for optimal growth. Despite its beauty, Veratrum californicum holds a certain level of toxicity, cautioning curious observers and foragers to appreciate its splendor from a safe distance.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, California veratrum plays a role in the ecosystems it inhabits, providing cover and habitat for various small wildlife. Its presence is a testament to the intricate web of life that flourishes in the diverse environments of the western U.S. and northern Mexico.

Through the ages, California veratrum has piqued the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, not only for its ornamental value but also as a subject of study in understanding plant toxicology and ecology. Its historical and environmental significance ensures that Veratrum californicum remains a plant of interest and reverence in botanical circles.

Common Names

Eng: california false hellebore, california veratrum, skunk-cabbage
Swe: jättenysrot
Deu: kalifornischer germer
En: California veratrum, Skunk-cabbage, California false hellebore, Corn lily, Skunk cabbage, Western false hellebore
De: Kalifornischer Germer
Sv: Jättenysrot

Synonyms

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 28, 2019 by Chloé Roux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Shivachankar Shivachankar Ameyatman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by raul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Oona Torgersen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 16, 2014 by EOL − L Pittman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2012 by EOL − Justin (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by graeme wood (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Darriean Steady (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 10, 2015 by EOL − dackerly (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2014 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2014 by EOL − Janet Zipser Zipkin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 18, 2011 by EOL − Franco Folini (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 28, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2742108)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30327875-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veratrum californicum Durand)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5