Green Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica) is a distinctive aquatic or bog plant, ideal for water gardens and wetland environments. This unique native species offers striking foliage, enhancing the natural aesthetic of aquatic landscapes.
Understanding Green Arrow Arum
Green Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica) is an emergent perennial herb with prominent arrow-shaped leaves. These glossy, dark green leaves can reach up to 2 feet in length, rising from a robust, submerged rhizome. From mid-spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny, greenish-yellow flowers on a finger-like spadix, encased by a greenish-white spathe up to 8 inches long. Following flowering, blackish berries develop, attracting waterfowl.
This plant is native to wetlands across the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Michigan and Missouri, as well as parts of eastern Canada. It thrives naturally in swamps, bogs, marshes, and along the margins of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, preferring consistently wet or submerged conditions. Its roots tolerate low oxygen levels often found in wetland soils.
Planting Green Arrow Arum
Proper site selection is key for Green Arrow Arum. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth, though it tolerates some shade. It is well-suited for wet soil, boggy areas, or standing water up to 6 inches deep, reflecting its natural habitat.
For pond or water garden settings, Green Arrow Arum can be placed directly into the muddy substrate or in containers submerged in water. If using containers, place them so the plant’s crown (where roots meet leaves) is slightly above the substrate, preventing rot. Planting is best done in late spring or early summer after the last frost, allowing ample time for root establishment.
Caring for Green Arrow Arum
Green Arrow Arum requires consistent moisture. It does not tolerate drought and benefits from continuously wet or waterlogged soil. While outdoor plants in natural wetland settings may not need supplemental watering, container-grown plants or those in less consistently wet environments should be watered frequently, potentially daily in warmer months, to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Green Arrow Arum receives sufficient nutrients from its aquatic environment when planted directly in a pond or natural bog. If grown in containers or in less nutrient-rich soil, a balanced, slow-release aquatic plant fertilizer can be applied in spring and mid-summer. Minimal pruning is needed; remove yellow or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. In colder climates (USDA Zones 5-9), the plant is winter hardy and can be left in the pond over winter, with foliage turning brown.
Important Considerations
Green Arrow Arum is an attractive addition to water features, but its growth habits and inherent properties require awareness. The plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and seed, and while it forms dense clumps, it is not as aggressive in water gardens as some other aquatic species. Its ability to naturalize in suitable wetland environments means it can form expansive stands over time.
The plant is toxic; all parts of Green Arrow Arum contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if ingested. Symptoms include a sensation of hundreds of needles pricking the mouth, and in severe cases, gastrointestinal irritation or kidney issues. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Exercise caution around children and pets, as ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other severe symptoms in animals. While thorough cooking or drying can neutralize the calcium oxalate, the plant should not be consumed raw.