Indian Poke, American Hellebore

Veratrum viride

Physical Characteristics

Veratrum viride is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New England to Georgia and Wisconsin, western from Alaska to Oregon.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

One report says that the leaves have been used in soups[257]. The plant is highly toxic, so this use is probably best avoided[K].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Diaphoretic Emetic Expectorant Febrifuge Hypotensive Narcotic Sedative Indian poke is a highly toxic plant that was widely employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it mainly externally in the treatment of wounds, pain etc[257]. It is rarely used in modern herbalism, though it is of potential interest because it contains steroidal and other alkaloids and chelidonic acid. Some of these alkaloids lower blood pressure and dilate the peripheral vessels - they have, for example, been used in conventional medicine to treat high blood pressure and rapid heart beat[207, 212, 254]. Any use of this plant should be carried out with great caution and preferably only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[21]. Even when applied externally to unbroken skin it has been known to cause side-effects[254]. See also the notes above on toxicity The root is analgesic, diaphoretic, emetic. expectorant, febrifuge, narcotic and sedative[4, 21, 257]. It has been used in the treatment of acute cases of pneumonia, peritonitis and threatened apoplexy[244]. A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of chronic coughs and constipation[257]. A portion of the root has been chewed, or a decoction used, in the treatment of stomach pain[257]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[254]. The root has been used to make a skin wash and compresses for bruises, sprains and fractures[257]. The powdered root has been applied as a healing agent to wounds[207] and as a delousing agent[254]. The stems have been scraped and the powder snuffed to induce sneezing[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash to treat aches and pains[257]. The plant is used in homeopathic preparations to slow the heart rate[254].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are highly poisonous[1, 4, 19, 62, 65]. After the plant dies down in the autumn and has been frosted, the toxins decrease and the plant becomes harmless to animals[212].