Flower · GBIF taxon 6374953
Lenten-rose
Helleborus orientalisAlso known as Oriental Hellebore, Lenten Hellebore
Lenten-rose brightens shady woodland floors and gardens with nodding, bowl-shaped flowers that emerge in late winter when most other plants lie dormant. Thick, leathery foliage remains evergreen throughout the year, supporting persistent sepals that gradually shift from soft pink and plum to deep green as seeds mature. These early blooms provide a crucial nectar source for queen bumblebees waking from winter dormancy on sunny spring days.
EvergreenEarly BloomerShade Tolerant
Licensed reference(c) Schnobby, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Aphids
ThreatsWild collection, Habitat alteration
HabitatsWoodland Margins, Scrublands, Shaded Gardens
Life span10–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRanunculales
- FamilyRanunculaceae
- GenusHelleborus
- SpeciesHelleborus orientalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- All parts are toxic to humans and pets, and the sap causes skin irritation; wear gloves.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains hellebrin and protoanemonin, causing severe gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and contact skin dermatitis.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by leathery, palmately divided leaves and thick, nodding flowers in late winter.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when pruning old stems and keep curious pets away from garden plantings.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Cut back dead foliage in early winter to display new blooms clearly.
- Location: Plant in well-draining, humus-rich soil under deciduous tree canopy cover.
- Handling: Wear garden gloves to avoid contact dermatitis from plant sap.
Close Relative (c) Andy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andy · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Family Member Lilly M / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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