Peltandra virginica Arrow Arum

General

A deep green plant most often found growing along pond and lake shores, usually in water up to 1' deep. Foliage provides shelter, and the berries provide food to waterfowl. Peltandra virginica is usually avoided by mammals as a food source, as the foliage contains calcium oxalate crystals, which will cause severe gastrointestinal distress, and possibly kidney stones.

Plant Description

Large, usually arrow-shaped leaves. A bright yellow inflorescence is surrounded by a single white spade, making for an attractive flower. The flower gives way to a seed pod full of black berries. Growing to 2'.

Height (ft)
1-2'

Soil moisture
Wet

Soil types
Muck, sand, peat

Wetland indicator
OBL

Shade tolerance
Intermediate, Partial shade to full sun

Bloom color
White

Bloom period
Spring-Summer

Drought tolerance
None

Salinity tolerance
None

 

Range

Eastern half of the United States, mainly on the East Coast, surrounding the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi. Introduced on some parts of the West Coast.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to the USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program, this plant is favored by wood ducks as they eat the berries produced.