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Lenten-rose

Helleborus orientalis

The Lenten-rose is a beautiful flower that blooms in early spring. Its lovely petals can be white, pink, or purple, and they often look like little cups. This flower is a sign that spring is on its way!

Habitat: Woodlands

Appearance

The Lenten-rose has leathery, dark green, palm-shaped leaves. Its cup-shaped flowers often nod downwards, appearing in shades of white, pink, purple, green, or spotted patterns. What makes it unique are its long-lasting, petal-like sepals that provide color for months.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusHelleborus
Lenten-rose
ornamental trait badgespring_blooming trait badgecold_hardy trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
Lenten-rose

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

3

Interesting facts

Ancient people once believed Lenten-roses could ward off evil spirits and protect cattle.

Despite their downward gaze, their bright colors still attract important early spring pollinators!

Its 'petals' are actually tough sepals, which are modified leaves, that last for months!

The name Helleborus comes from Greek words meaning 'food that harms,' referring to its toxicity.

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Warrior

Lenten-rose can bloom in late winter, even through snow, helping it be one of the first plants to flower.

Ability

Rainy Day Protector

Lenten-rose has nodding flowers that protect its pollen and nectar from rain and melting snow.

Ability

Toxic Shield

Lenten-rose has toxic compounds that help it defend against most hungry animals who try to eat it.

Measurements & details

Height
30-45 cm
Spread
30-45 cm
Flower Size
5-8 cm
Bloom Season
Late_winter_early_spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Gains early season nectar and pollen.

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects vital food sources in early spring.

eaten by

Roe deer

Capreolus capreolus

Avoids eating due to its toxic compounds.

Traits

Also known as

Easter Rose

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Lenten-roses are pretty to look at, but don't touch them because they can be harmful if eaten.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Lenten-rose?

The easiest way to identify Lenten-rose is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Lenten-rose?

30-45 cm

How wide does Lenten-rose spread?

30-45 cm

How big are the flowers on Lenten-rose?

5-8 cm

When does Lenten-rose bloom?

Late_winter_early_spring

Is Lenten-rose edible?

No

Is Lenten-rose toxic?

High

What is Lenten-rose's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

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