Veratrum nigrum (common name black false hellebore) is a species of flowering plant of the Melanthiaceae family. Despite its common name, it is not closely related to the true hellebores, nor does it resemble them, though like Helleborus foetidus it has an unpleasant smell.
The plant was widely known even in ancient times. For example, Lucretius (ca. 99 BC – ca. 55 BC) and Pliny the Elder (23 AD – August 25, 79) both knew of its medicinal emetic as well as deadly toxic properties.
Read more about Veratrum Nigrum: Distribution and Habitat, Description, Taxonomy, Garden Use, Toxicity, Medicinal Usage, Other Uses