Veratrum nigrum was used as an ornamental plant in European gardens at least as far back as 1773.[15] It was in common use in 1828,[16] and Charles Darwin grew it in his garden in the 1840s.[17] The plant is still widely used in gardens in Europe and Asia because of its striking black flowers.[4][5] It is also used to add height to a garden,[8][18] and as a means of providing a darker backdrop to more brightly colored plants and flowers.[19] The large seed pods weather winter well (tending not to drop in high wind), and it can be a striking winter ornamental seedpod plant as well.[18] However, it is difficult to find and very expensive in the United States.[8][9]