Ribes name to the popular blackcurrant cordial Ribena. The genus also includes the group of ornamental plants collectively known as the flowering currants, for instance "R. sanguineum". There are restrictions on growing some "Ribes" species in some U.S. states, as they are the main alternate host for white pine blister rust. Blackfoot Indians used blackcurrant root "(Ribes hudsonianum)" for the treatment of kidney diseases and menstrual and menopausal problems. Cree Indians used the fruit of "Ribes glandulosum" as a fertility enhancer to assist women in becoming pregnant. Currants are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. Ribes
Veratrum nigrum Veratrum nigrum Veratrum nigrum (common name black false hellebore) is a widespread Eurasian species of perennial flower of the family Melanthiaceae. Despite its common name, "V. nigrum" is not closely related to the true hellebores, nor does it resemble them. The plant was widely known even in ancient times. For example, Lucretius (ca. 99 BCE – ca. 55 BCE) and Pliny the Elder (23 AD – August 25, 79) both knew of its medicinal emetic as well as deadly toxic properties. "Veratrum nigrum" is native to Eurasia from France to Korea including Germany, Poland, Russia, China, and Mongolia. The plant