Arisaema dracontium (L.) Schott

Green Dragon

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Green Dragon is a native herbaceous perennial in the Arum family (Araceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Green Dragon occurs in mesic woods, on floodplains, in swamps, in seeps, and in low woods. It is a perennial from a corm. There is usually a solitary leaf that reaches up to 2 feet in height. The petiole is green and usually marked with purple. The leaf blade is divided into 5-21 elliptic to oblanceolate leaflets. The leaflets are entire and glabrous. Usually a single inflorescence is produced. The inflorescence is surrounded by a green or yellowish tubular spathe. The spadix is cylindrical and longer than the spathe. It tapers to a sterile tail-like appendage. The pistillate flowers are produced towards the bottom of the spadix and the staminate flowers are produced towards the top. The fruit are bright orange or red and contain 1-2 seed. Green Dragon is sometimes available from native plant nurseries. It prefers a moist soil rich in organic matter. Plants prefer full to partial shade. The leaves and especially the corm of Green Dragon contains calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested they cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, stomach pains, and possible kidney damage. Deer and other herbivores usually avoid Green Dragon.--A. Diamond

**

Native FACW (NWPL) G5 (Global Rank)

**