This genus is a group of around 32 herbaceous tubular flowering plants that are native to Europe, Africa and Asia. They can vary in size from 1-2 feet tall. The genus name comes from the Greek word ‘aron’, meaning ‘climbing’ or ‘poisonous plant’ Flowers consist of a spathe that surrounds the spadix and is followed by clusters of round berries in reds and oranges. Many are used as ground cover in shady areas. In some of the Pacific west of the USA, some varieties have escaped gardens and become invasive. The leaves of several species are variegated and showy. They will wait to appear in the fall and grow during the winter in warmer winter areas. Flowers will appear in spring before the plant goes dormant. Arum lilies prefer well-drained moist soil in part sun to part shade but tolerate a wide range of soils. They are easy to grow and deer-resistant. Grow as a ground cover for a winter garden along a woodland area. Additional Arum images at Juniper Level Botanical Gardens Arum (Lords And Ladies, Arum Lily) Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Form & Appearance
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are green to variegated, arrow-shaped and 4-12 inches long
Flower form
Spadix
Flower detail
An arrow-shaped spathe surrounds the spadix. Flowers vary in size and color
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Clusters of berries form from pollinated flowers
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Asia, Europe, Africa
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Spring
Fruit type
Berry
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Woodland
Landscape theme
Winter Garden
Design feature
Small groups
Garden tags
#problem for dogs #groundcover #problem for cats #spadix #problem for children #problem for cattle #showy leaves #variegated #winter garden #problem for horses #weedy
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses; Weedy
All parts of the plant are poisonous. The sap can cause dermatitis. Ingestion can cause irritation, burning and swelling of the mouth and throat, breathing difficulties, severe nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, diarrhea shock and exhaustion, death.