Herbaceous Perennial I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:

2. Date: March
3. Location: Washington, D.C.
4. Plant type: Flowering perennial
5. Environment: Garden
6. Exposure: Shade with filtered sun
7. Scent: None
8. Other: Speckled flowers point down like a bell. Glossy dark green leaves are deeply divided with a palmate pattern.

Identification:

1. Name: Helleborus x hybridus (lenten rose, Christmas rose, hellebore). More specifically, this particular plant is likely to be Helleborus x hybridus 'Gold Finch' (Gold finch lenten rose), which is a newly developed variety which is clonally propagated via tissue culture.
2. Family: Ranunculaceae
3. Origin: China
4. Random facts: Though toxic, hellebores have mythical and medicinal associations dating back to the ancient Greeks. They are considered to be a powerful plant, partly owing to the fact that they bloom as early as December. If they are planted outside one's door, they are supposed to provide protection from demons. When brought indoors they supposedly bring security and a cheery environment. Ground up leaves have been used to treat children for worms, cure individuals who are presumed to be possessed of a demon, and even used as a poison on arrow tips.