Starch Root Arum maculatum

Arum lily is a shade-loving herbaceous perennial and a member of the Araceae family. It was cultivated as an ornamental plant. This plant spreads quickly by self-seeding. It has deep-rooted tubers that multiply each year and are difficult to remove. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans and animals. The plant can cause skin irritation and illness. The fruits are harmless to birds. They eat the berries and disperse the seeds. 

Wild Arum is native of Europe to West Turkey and the West Caucasus. They are found in woodlands and along rivers and streams. 

The genus name, Arum, is Greek and means "poisonous." Wild Arum has many other common names that reference the plant's appearance.

The plant grows in the shade and prefers moist well-drained soils. The plant's mature size is 12-18 inches tall and 6-9 inches wide. They flower in the spring and produce bright orangish-red berries in the fall. They are propagated by seeds and by the division of the tubers.

The leaves are arrow-shaped, glossy, mid to deep green with purplish-black blotches. The hood-like flowers appear in April and May. The flower has a deep purple to pale yellow central spadix and is surrounded by a pale green spathe  The interior of the spathe is greenish-white with a purple band. The fruit is a cylinder-like cluster of orangish-red berries. The berries remain after the spathe and leaves have withered away. 

The plant contains calcium oxalates. If ingested, it will cause throat and tongue swelling that results in difficulty breathing or possible death. Be sure to wear protective clothing and gloves when handling this plant to prevent skin irritation. 

The Arum Lily is pollinated by insects that are attracted to the odor of the flowers.

The Arum Lily may be used as an ornamental in shade gardens, borders, and woodlands. When considering this plant, remember that it is poisonous to humans and pets. It will also spread quickly and is very difficult to remove.

Quick ID Hints:

• tuberous root system
• arrow-shaped, mid to deep green, glossy leaves with purplish-black blotches
• the flowers have an erect deep purple to a pale yellow spadix
• the spadix is surrounded by a pale green spathe with a greenish-white interior with a purple band
• the flower has an odor
• cylinder-like spike of orangish-red berries

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems:  The plant is very difficult to control. Manual removal may be difficult. When removed, all parts of the plant should be disposed of in the trash.  Avoid placing the plant in the compost bin. Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling this plant.