hellebore
Helleborus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Hellebore, scientifically known as Helleborus, is a captivating genus of perennial flowering plants celebrated for their striking, winter-blooming beauty. While historically used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, these plants are highly toxic if ingested. Today, they are primarily cherished by gardeners for their elegant, resilient seasonal displays.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Hellebore · Hellebores · 1 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Helleboraster
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- hellebore
- Hellebores
- Lenten roses
Scientific Names
Accepted name
HelleborusSynonyms
- Helleboraster
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Eléboro
German:
- Nieswurz
- Christrosen
- Schneerosen
French:
- hellébore
- Hellébore
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Ranunculales and the family Ranunculaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Helleborus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Helleborus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is noted in Denmark and throughout Great Britain. The species can also be found growing within the borders of Ireland. Moving further north, the plant is documented to inhabit parts of Sweden. Finally, its distribution extends into Middle Europe, specifically within Austria.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
| Middle Europe | Hungary |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Helleborus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypotensive.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Hypotensive | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Hypotensive
- The American journal of Chinese medicine
Medicinal Uses
Helleborus has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| atherosclerosis | The American journal of Chinese medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | The American journal of Chinese medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ischemic heart disease | The American journal of Chinese medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |