Species identification of white false hellebore (Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum) using real-time PCR.

•Veratrum album and V. stamineum often cause food poisoning by the accidental ingestion.•A TaqMan real-time PCR method was developed to identify V. album and V. stamineum within 30–60min.•The lower detection limit was less than 10pg of DNA.•Mixed samples, cooked samples, and simulated gastric contents were successfully identified.•A multiplex assay of two regions was also possible.