One of the earliest flowers blooming in the Wildflower Gardens around the Arboretums Visitors Center is the Lenten Rose. A member of the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae), the nodding flowers of the Lenten Rose have five showy white to pink sepals which may persist into the early summer. In our area, the flowers may appear as early as January and often can be found through April. The common name reflects the blooming period which occurs during the season of Lent. The dark green compound leaves, which provide a good ground cover, arise from an underground stem the plants being referred to as acaulescent (without an aboveground stem). Helleborus species are native to Europe and China. Some of these species have been extensively hybridized, and Lenten Rose, although frequently referred to as Helleborus orientalis, is generally considered to be one of these acaulescent hybrids. All parts of the plants contain toxic alkaloid compounds, and may cause a mild skin rash if handled extensively. The plant is considered to be deer-resistant, and may be planted in areas subject to heavy deer browsing to reduce damage.

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