How poisonous is Arum maculatum?

These attractive red to orange berries are extremely poisonous. The root-tuber may be very big and is used to store starch. In mature specimens, the tuber may be as much as 400 mm below ground level.

Are Arum plants poisonous?

Human health is also a concern, as all parts of Italian arum are poisonous. Contact with this plant can cause skin irritation; eating any part of the plant can be fatal . Then in late May, Italian arum produces white, hood-like flowers that look kind of like a calla lily.

Are the leaves of lords and ladies poisonous?

The flowers, which appear in April and May, are borne at the base of a cylindrical structure called a spadix which is enveloped by a green to purple-tinged membranous hood called a spathe. The flowers are followed in autumn by a conspicuous spike of orange-red berries. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Is Arum maculatum poisonous to dogs?

All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the strong fragrance seems to attract browsing when it is in flower. It’s a plant of damp, shady places where pets love to nose about and where they may also encounter the attractive berries of the cuckoo pint or lords-and-ladies (Arum maculatum).

Are there any poisonous leaves on Arum maculatum?

Care is needed as the leaves, which are toxic, can be mistaken for Sorrel. Arum maculatum is cultivated as an ornamental plant in traditional and woodland shade gardens. The cluster of bright red berries standing alone without foliage can be a striking landscape accent.

What are the different names for Arum maculatum?

Arum maculatum. Arum maculatum is a common woodland plant species of the family Araceae. It is widespread across most of Europe, as well as Turkey and the Caucasus. It is known by an abundance of common names including snakeshead, adder’s root, arum, wild arum, arum lily, lords-and-ladies, devils and angels, cows and bulls, cuckoo-pint,…

What to do if you get Arum maculatum?

If you pull up Arum maculatum in your garden, wear gloves to protect your hands. The Poison Garden website records 23 hospital admissions due to Arum poisoning in the UK during the four years from 1996 to 1999, but none of the incidents caused serious harm.

Why are the leaves on my Arum maculatum turning black?

Sometimes Arum maculatum leaves have pitted black spots. This spotting (with pustules on the underside of the leaf) is caused by the smut fungus Melanustilospora ari. The rust fungus Puccinia sessilis also infects Arum leaves, as well as Wild Garlic and several other specie s. (There are some good photos on the fungi.org.uk website .)