Arum maculatum L.
Adam-and-Eve
Lords-and-ladies is a distinctive native perennial of shady woodland and hedge banks, growing from an underground tuber. In spring it produces glossy, arrow-shaped leaves, often marked with dark purple blotches, followed by its curious flower: a club-like purplish spadix half-wrapped in a pale green, hood-like spathe.
About
Lords-and-ladies is a distinctive native perennial of shady woodland and hedge banks, growing from an underground tuber. In spring it produces glossy, arrow-shaped leaves, often marked with dark purple blotches, followed by its curious flower: a club-like purplish spadix half-wrapped in a pale green, hood-like spathe. The true flowers are hidden at the base, and the spadix warms and gives off a dung-like scent that lures small flies, which are briefly trapped and dusted with pollen.
It favours moist, fertile soils in dappled or full shade, flowering in mid spring. By late summer and autumn the leaves have died back to leave a striking spike of glossy red berries. These berries, and indeed the whole plant, are poisonous, causing intense irritation of the mouth and throat if eaten, so it is best appreciated as a woodland curiosity rather than handled. It suits naturalising in shaded, undisturbed ground.
Also known as
Cuckoo Pint · Cuckoo-pint · Jack-in-the-pulpit · Lords-And-Ladies · Lords-and-Ladies · Lords-and-Ladies [Arum maculatum] · Wake Robin · Wild Arum · cuckoopint
Synonyms
Arisarum maculatum · Arum alpinum pyrenaeum · Arum byzantinum · Arum gracile · Arum heldreichii · Arum immaculatum · Arum italicum amoenum · Arum italicum byzantinum · Arum maculatum flavescens
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.