False Hellebore (Skunk Cabbage): Beautiful but Poisonous Mountain Plant

Found in Colorado’s subalpine zones, false hellebore (Veratrum tenuipetalum) resembles true skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus East, Lysichiton americanus West) but is highly toxic. All parts contain alkaloids that cause severe vomiting, low blood pressure, and heart rhythm issues if ingested.

Identification

• Large, pleated, parallel-veined leaves in a basal rosette.
• Tall flower spike (3–6 ft) with greenish-yellow, star-shaped flowers.
• Grows in wet meadows, stream banks, below treeline.

Safety

Do not touch or ingest. Teach children to avoid. Livestock poisoning occurs when other forage is scarce. Admire from a distance.

False hellebore in bloom—beautiful but deadly.