Description

Arisarum

There’s only 3 species of rhizomatous or tuberous, densely clumping forming perennials, in this genus.  They occur from moist woodland or rocky ground and wasteland in the Mediterranean Regions, and the Azores and the Canary Islands.  Grown for their small hooded tubular spathes developing from early to mid spring which enclose spadices that have tiny flowers.  The densely arranged, radical, arrow to heart shaped leaves are held on long leaf stalks.  The leaves may obscure the tiny flowers.

Grow in humus rich, moist soil in lightly shaded area.  Divide in autumn or winter.

Arisarum vulgare – Friar’s Cowl – This tuberous perennial from the Mediterranean grows 6” tall and spreads to 4” or more wide.  It produces arrow shaped mid to yellowish green leaves 2-5” long that may be mottled with purple.  In winter or early spring it bears small hooded green spathes to 2” long, that’s striped brown or purple with black spadices.

Zones 8-9