Three species of false hellebore grow in in the Pacific Northwest, two at lower elevations and this, the high-altitude type, Veratrum viride. This five to six foot high plant grows in open areas in damp to wet ground.
A member of the lily family, it is also known as the corn-lily because (some say) Veratrum's flower buds resemble ears of corn. The foliage is a favorite with photographers. Imogen Cunningham of Group f/64 was famous for her images of false hellebore.
This leaf was photographed at Salmon River Meadows along Highway 26 just east of Government Camp. An excellent place to see false hellebore is at the base of Umbrella Falls, which is just below the parking lot at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area.
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