Chamaelirium

/ˌkæməˈlɪriəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of plants in the lily family native to eastern North America, with tall spikes of small white flowers, also called false hellebore.

Etymology

From Greek 'chamae' (low) and 'lirion' (lily). The common name 'devil's bit' comes from the legend that the devil bit off part of the plant's root in anger.

Kelly Says

Native Americans used devil's bit root as medicine for women's health, and early colonists were so convinced of its powers that they nearly hunted it to extinction—though modern science is still investigating whether it actually works.

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