Green Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica)

Green arrow arum (Peltandra virginica) is an aquatic plant with arrow-shaped stalks, growing in marshlands and wetlands and attracting flies. A limited number of small mammals and water birds feed on this plant. It is, however, toxic to humans and may contribute to the formation of kidney stones if consumed.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Peltandra virginica is a plant of the arum family known as green arrow arum and tuckahoe. It is widely distributed in wetlands in the eastern United States, as well as in Quebec, Ontario, and Cuba. It is common in central Florida including the Everglades and along the Gulf Coast. Its rhizomes are tolerant to low oxygen levels found in wetland soils. It can be found elsewhere in North America as an introduced species and often an invasive plant.

This is an emergent perennial herb growing from a large rhizome and producing many large leaves. An individual leaf may have a petiole nearly a meter long and a blade half a meter in length. The leaves are quite variable in shape and size, but they are often generally arrowhead-shaped.

The inflorescence bears male and female flowers, as well as sterile flowers. The flower varies from whitish to greenish to yellow. The fruit is a brown berry containing a few seeds within a clear gelatinous pulp. Large numbers of seeds can accumulate in the soil of wetlands.

Peltandra virginica is a marshland aquatic plant, growing in North America bogs, ponds, and marshes. The roots and base grow into the submerged substrate, and the leaves and inflorescences project up and out of the water. The roots form a perennial rhizome. Various forms of leaf blades have been observed, both in larger ranges and smaller individual populations. Petioles range from green to green-purple to purple with a medium green blade petiole lengths between 38 and 98 centimeters and blade length being between 9 and 57 centimeters.

Lateral veins also have variable thicknesses. Inflorescences are generally pale green to white, being lighter within the spathe. Lengths for the inflorescence range between 7 and 25 centimeters with the spadix being about half the size to the full length of the spathe with greenish to white flowers, producing fruits that rot within the closed spathe. Fruits are pea green to mottled green and purple and range from 6 to 16 millimeters. In most of its range, it blooms from spring to late summer and fall and in warmer regions, it will bloom into the winter. It generally thrives in low salinity environments.

In the pistillate stage the spadix of P. virginica is entirely covered by the spathe, not allowing insects to pollinate female flowers. Pollination is achieved by the plant’s utilizing brood-site-based pollination. The chloropid fly Elachiptera formosa forms a symbiotic relationship with the inflorescence. The flies are attracted to the odor of the male flowers in an inflorescence’s staminate stage where they feed on pollen and mate then find oviposition sites, followed by the development of the larvae and maturity of the flies.

The non-reproductive structures of Peltandra virginica are known to contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the gastrointestinal system of animals and people and has been linked to the development of kidney stones.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Green arrow arum thrives best in areas that receive full sunlight, which is essential for its robust growth and development. The plant can also tolerate partial sun, but prolonged exposure to less than optimal light may lead to diminished vigor and potential health issues such as weaker stems and fewer flowers. Adaptive to intense light, green arrow arum might exhibit leaf adjustments to manage light absorption effectively. Ideally, green arrow arum should be planted outdoors in locations that receive direct sunlight for the majority of the day to ensure the plant reaches its full growth and health potential.

Watering

Thriving in its native swampy habitats, green arrow arum has adapted to environments with high water availability. This species exhibits a preference for consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. For optimal growth, maintaining a watering schedule of once every two weeks is recommended. As an aquatic plant often found at the water’s edge, green arrow arum typically flourishes outdoors where it can mimic its natural wetland conditions. In particular, as a perennial herb, green arrow arum’s vitality is closely linked to its ability to remain hydrated throughout its active growing season.

Propagation

The optimal propagation for green arrow arum is through sowing in Spring. This species has moderate difficulty in propagation. Successful signs include emerging sprouts and healthy root development. Regular watering and appropriate soil conditions are key.

Transplanting

The prime time to transplant green arrow arum is during late fall to early winter (S3-S4) as the plant is dormant, so less shock is experienced. Choose a spot with filtered sun or shade for green arrow arum. Remember to keep soil consistently wet for it to thrive.

III. Uses and Benefits 

• Ornamental uses

In other times and places, it has been used as an ornamental plant and to stabilize sediments in small bodies of water.

• Culinary uses

The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it unpalatable. Indigenous peoples of the Americas used most parts of the plant for food, however, cooking it for hours first to make it safe to eat.

Historical accounts suggest that Native Americans may have used Peltandra virginica as a food source. They may have eaten the seeds and fruits as well as the leaves and roots. The section of P. virginicas range where its populations are highest, from Pennsylvania to coastal Virginia, are where it was most likely used for food.