Arum italicum (Italian Arum)

Arum italicum (Italian Arum) is a tuberous perennial with attractive flowers reminiscent of Arisaema tryphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit). Appearing in the spring, each flower consists of a large greenish-yellow spathe with a yellow spadix and gives way to showy spikes of glistening, bright orange-red berries in summer. The first leaves appear just as the berries vanish. Large, arrow-shaped, glossy gray-green, 8-12 in. long (20-30 cm), they are adorned with paler midribs. Impervious to even the most dreadful weather, they remain attractive from winter into spring. The foliage goes dormant in summer, before emerging again in the fall.

• This clump-forming perennial grows up to 12-18 in. high and wide (30-45 cm). Italian arum will naturalize slowly in woodland
• Performs best in part shade to full shade, in humusy, moist, well-drained soils. Wet soil tolerant.
• Excellent in shaded beds and borders, underplanting shrubs or roses.
• Generally disease and pest free, this plant requires little maintenance.
• Division of clumps of tubers should take place after flowering. Alternatively, propagate by seed sown in fall having removed the fleshy pulp
• All parts are highly toxic by ingestion. This plant has become a dangerous pest in the Pacific Northwest and is classified as a Class C noxious weed in Washington State.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.