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Native Plant Database

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Veratrum californicum (California false hellebore)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Veratrum californicum Dur.

California false hellebore, Corn lily

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

USDA Symbol: VECA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

California false hellebore or corn lily’s stiffly erect, leafy stalks rise 6 ft. and bear large, conspicuously pleated, oval leaves. The stalks are topped by showy clusters of white to greenish flowers. The flowers are star-like in design and numerous. A long, branched, dense cluster of relatively small, whitish or greenish flowers top the stout, leafy stem of this tall plant.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf: Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Native Distribution: W. WA to s. CA, e. to MT, CO, NM & Mex.
Native Habitat: Swamps; creek bottoms; moist meadows & woodlands
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist, heavy soil.
Conditions Comments: Corn lily is a bold specimen plant. In the garden, the old growth will need to be cut back as it turns brown. The plant is not bothered by gophers or deer.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagation is possible, but not necessarily easy, from root divisions or seed. Seedlings take several years to flower.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seed requires prolonged cold-moist stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Veratrum californicum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Veratrum californicum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Veratrum californicum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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