VERATRUM

genus of poisonous herbs of the lily family (Liliaceae). The genus includes about 15 to 45 perennial species, among them the American hellebore and the European hellebore (see hellebore) and the false hellebore (see skunk cabbage). They bear flowers that are greenish white to brownish purple and are planted as ornamentals. Their poisons have commercial value as insecticides and medicine.