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.