Bear's foot or stinking hellebore is native to central and eastern Europe. Hellebores are prized for their flowers which appear in late winter or early spring and are often the first flowers to appear in the Chicago garden.

Wester Flisk hellebore grows into a low mound about 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The foliage is dark green with finger-like clusters of up to ten serrated leaves which are evergreen throughout the winter except in extremely cold locations. The name 'stinking' hellebore is derived from the leaves which will leave an unpleasant odor if handled. It bears clusters of one inch bell-shaped flowers that are pale green edged in dark red.

Hellebores prefer cool moist soils but are very adaptable requiring only that the site be well-drained. Typically they are planted in woodland settings under deciduous trees where they receive full sun in winter and early spring but are protected in hotter months. The entire plant contains chemicals that are toxic to humans but makes them unappealing to deer and other wildlife.