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Sweet-scented Hellebore

Helleborus odorus

The Sweet-scented Hellebore is a beautiful flower that blooms in early spring. It has lovely greenish-white petals and a sweet smell that attracts bees and butterflies.

Habitat: Woodlands

Appearance

The Sweet-scented Hellebore has nodding, cup-shaped flowers, often a beautiful greenish-yellow, sometimes tinged with purple on the outside. Its leathery, dark green leaves remain evergreen, providing a lush backdrop to its early blooms.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusHelleborus
Sweet-scented Hellebore
bell_shaped_flower trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Sweet-scented Hellebore

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Greeks used hellebores, but it was so toxic it was very dangerous!

Did you know the beautiful flower parts are actually modified leaves called sepals?

Its delicate scent is strongest on warm, sunny winter days, attracting early insects.

This tough plant can live for over 50 years, returning with blooms every winter!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Warrior

Sweet-scented Hellebore can bloom in late winter, bringing colour when most other plants are still sleeping!

Ability

Fragrant Beacon

Sweet-scented Hellebore has a lovely fragrance that helps attract early pollinators looking for food.

Ability

Protective Poison

Sweet-scented Hellebore can produce toxic chemicals, making it unappetizing to most hungry animals.

Measurements & details

Height
30-45 cm
Spread
30-45 cm
Flower Size
4-6 cm
Bloom Season
Late winter to early spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen for its colony

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

one of the first bees active in cold weather

eaten by

Green Peach Aphid

Myzus persicae

feeds on sap from young shoots and leaves

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Do not touch or eat any part of this flower, as it can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Sweet-scented Hellebore?

30-45 cm

How wide does Sweet-scented Hellebore spread?

30-45 cm

How big are the flowers on Sweet-scented Hellebore?

4-6 cm

When does Sweet-scented Hellebore bloom?

Late winter to early spring

Is Sweet-scented Hellebore edible?

No

Is Sweet-scented Hellebore toxic?

High

What is Sweet-scented Hellebore's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Sweet-scented Hellebore pollinated?

Insect

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