California Veratrum
Veratrum californicum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
California Veratrum (Veratrum californicum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
California Veratrum is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
24"–72" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Veratrum californicum is a tall, dramatic perennial with large pleated leaves and towering spikes of small white flowers in summer. This moisture-loving plant creates bold architectural presence but requires consistent water and can be toxic to humans and animals.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Veratrum takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely toxic to humans and pets
- Requires high water needs
Wildlife value
The tall flower spikes attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. However, all parts of the plant are highly toxic, limiting its wildlife browsing value.
Common questions
- How much sun does California Veratrum need?
- California Veratrum grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does California Veratrum bloom?
- California Veratrum blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is California Veratrum native?
- California Veratrum (Veratrum californicum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is California Veratrum toxic to livestock?
- California Veratrum is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does California Veratrum attract?
- California Veratrum draws bees and flies.
- Is California Veratrum HOA-friendly?
- California Veratrum takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California Veratrum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz