Paris quadrifolia, herb paris
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Perennials

Paris quadrifolia

herb paris

MelanthiaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height10–16 inches (25–40 cm)
Width6–10 inches (15–25 cm)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Paris quadrifolia, commonly called herb paris or true lover's knot, is a slowly spreading rhizomatous perennial in the family Melanthiaceae, native to moist, shaded deciduous and mixed woodlands across temperate Eurasia, from the British Isles east to Siberia and from Iceland south to the Caucasus. It is one of the most architecturally distinctive of all woodland plants, producing a single, erect unbranched stem 10–16 inches (25–40 cm) tall, partway up which sits a single whorl of typically four broad, net-veined, oval leaves — the signature feature that gives the species its name (quadrifolia = four-leaved). From the center of this leaf whorl arises a solitary, unusual flower with four narrow yellow-green inner petals, four green outer sepals, and eight prominent golden stamens, followed by a single large, dark blue-black berry. All parts are highly toxic — the berry is particularly dangerous, resembling a blueberry or bilberry and capable of causing severe poisoning. The plant spreads slowly by rhizome and self-seeds very sparingly; it establishes best in undisturbed humus-rich woodland soil and dislikes disturbance. Primarily a collector's plant and a symbol of ancient woodland in Europe.

Native Range

Native to moist, shaded deciduous and mixed woodland in temperate Eurasia, from the British Isles (Wales, northern England, Scotland) east through Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, and Siberia to Mongolia and Yakutia, growing in calcareous to mildly acidic, humus-rich, moist soils in partial to full shade. An indicator species of ancient, undisturbed woodland in Britain and northern Europe. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Paris quadrifolia is primarily a collector's plant for the dedicated woodland garden enthusiast, valued for its remarkable architectural form and botanical curiosity — the precise four-leaved whorl and central black berry have fascinated botanists and gardeners for centuries. Best suited to a moist, undisturbed woodland garden beneath deciduous trees, planted where it can be closely appreciated. Combines naturally with other European woodland plants: Polygonatum, Convallaria, and ferns. Patient establishment (several years to mature) rewards with a unique, long-lived, and genuinely irreplaceable garden specimen. All parts are highly toxic; place carefully away from areas frequented by children.

How to Identify

Herb paris is identified by its single erect stem bearing a whorl of typically four (occasionally three to eight) broadly oval, net-veined leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long arranged in a precise cross pattern. From the center of the leaf whorl arises a solitary, unusual star-like flower with four narrow, thread-like yellow-green inner petals and four broader green outer sepals, with eight prominent golden anthers. The flower is followed by a single, shining, dark blue-black berry 0.5–0.75 inch (1.2–2 cm) across sitting directly above the leaf whorl. No other temperate woodland plant resembles Paris quadrifolia; the four-leaved whorl with a central black berry is immediately diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'4"
Width/Spread6" - 10"

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Herb paris blooms in late spring, typically May through June in Pacific Northwest woodland gardens, with each plant producing a single flower per stem. The flower is botanically unusual and visually striking rather than showy in the conventional sense — the spider-like combination of narrow green petals and prominent golden stamens has an otherworldly quality. After flowering the berry slowly develops through summer, turning from green to dark blue-black by late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Four narrow yellow-green inner petals, four green outer sepals, eight prominent golden stamens; solitary; followed by dark blue-black berry

Foliage Description

Four broadly oval, net-veined leaves in a precise whorl; mid-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Tolerates up to 3 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3–5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained to average soil, ideally slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5) — reflecting the calcareous woodland soils of its European habitat. In Pacific Northwest gardens it grows best beneath deciduous trees in undisturbed woodland soil. Incorporate generous leaf mold at planting. The rhizome is brittle; handle carefully and plant with the growing tip just below the soil surface. The plant grows slowly — expect several years before flowering begins. Do not disturb once established. Mulch annually with leaf mold. All parts are highly toxic; the berry resembles an edible fruit and is potentially dangerous to children.

Pruning

No pruning or deadheading required. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed. Allow the berry to remain on the plant — it adds late-season ornamental interest through summer and autumn. Do not cut back the stem until it has died back naturally in late autumn. Do not divide unless absolutely necessary, as the plant resents disturbance; if division is needed, do so carefully in early spring.

Pruning Schedule

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fall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans