[Illustration: Christmas rose, black hellebore
_Helleborus niger--RANUNCULACEAE_]
=Description=: In warmer climates, the large blossoms of this plant
appear in midwinter, hence, the common name Christmas rose. However,
these develop much earlier in fall or later in spring in New England
and other northern areas.
The plant is a perennial evergreen herb with a black underground stem
and roots. Each year a single palmately divided leaf and flower stalk
form, the latter with one or two large purplish-white flowers, each
with five petals and a yellow center whorl of flower parts. Found in
gardens usually as a cultivated plant.
=Poisonous Parts=: An intensely irritating glycoside principle,
=helleborein=, has been found in the leaves and roots. This probably
accounts for much of the skin inflammation caused on contact with
bruised parts or the juice of this plant. Other poisonous glycosides
and alkaloids which affect the heart (similar to the effects of
digitalis) and nervous system (as from aconite) are also present. If
ingested, the plant may cause vomiting, tingling and numbing sensations
in the mouth, and violent purgation.
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Wash the skin at once with soap and water
if the juice of the plant is in contact with it. Have patient vomit if
any part has been eaten. Physicians treat for dermatitis and vesication
if a contact poisoning. When there is evidence of much ingestion treat
for =digitalis= or =aconitine= poisoning, depending upon symptoms.