Poisonous Plants of Georgia
	The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

	Common Name: Scientific Name: Green Hellebore Helleborus viridis L.
				Family: Ranunculaceae
			Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description. This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
		Description: Green hellebore is a perennial herb with simple or compound leaves. The flowers have 5-15 petals and may be solitary or form clusters. Toxic Part: The entire plant is toxic especially the roots. Toxin: The toxin is a cardenolide, a group of cardiac glycosides, known as hellebrigenin. Symptoms: The toxin affects cattle and pigs. Clinical signs after ingestion of the plant include increased heart rate, abdominal distension, diarrhea, anorexia, and colic. The animals appear to experience a great deal of pain as they are reluctant to move or recumbent. Animal deaths are due to cardiac failure. Treatment: Atropine and activated charcoal may help alleviate symptoms of poisoning and prevent death. References: 24, 76, 87 This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.