Black Widow
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
South, Central and Western Europe
Location
Source of plant
Heronswood
Description
Tall perennial to 80cm; rootstock stout, above ground. Leaves present in winter, basal leaves to 20cm wide, shallowly cut into 9 divisions, margins toothed, often purple-brown blotched at lobe bases above; stem leaves solitary. Inforesence lax, 1-sided; flowers nodding; sepals 11mm, point 0.5mm; petals to 14 x 12mm, spreading, very deep purple-black, deep maroon, blue-red or light mauve, white spot at base, tips notched or with a point; filaments long-hairy near base; stigma 2mm, yellow-green. Young fruit facing upwards, carpels 5.5 mm, apex conical, ridged around top; seeds discharged in carpel with awn attatched. Late spring to summer, often with a second flush.
USDA Hardiness Zone
5