Arisaema dracontium aka Dragon Arum

Arisaema dracontium is a woodland perennial in the arum family. Its common names include green dragon and dragon root. Its native range runs from eastern Canada to northeastern Mexico. It also grows across the eastern and central United States. Damp woods and stream banks provide its main wild habitats. It grows upright from an underground corm each spring. Garden plants reach 1–3 feet (0.3–0.91 metres) tall. Their spread reaches 1–1.5 feet (0.3–0.46 metres). One source also records heights of 6 feet (1.83 metres).

The plant usually sends up one large compound leaf. Its long petiole holds the leaflets out above the flowers. This green stalk reaches 2 feet (0.61 metres) tall. It has a smooth surface with a powdery coating. Sources count seven to fifteen leaflets on each leaf. The green leaflets have a thin, papery feel. Their lance-shaped blades have smooth edges and no hairs. Each can reach about 0.67 feet (0.20 metres) long. The leaves die back as the plant enters summer dormancy.

Flowers appear in May and June beneath the leaf. A narrow green spathe surrounds the flower-bearing spadix. The pale green to whitish spadix extends beyond this hood. Its long, tapered tip gives the plant its dragon name. Tiny male and female flowers sit near its base. The flowers draw pollinators to the plant. A dense cluster of berries follows later in summer. The berries turn from green to dark red as they ripen. Birds eat the fruit, which remains striking as foliage fades.

Green dragon needs partial or full shade and steady soil moisture. It grows best in rich soil with good drainage. Acidic to neutral soil suits it, but heavy clay does not. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–9. It fits woodland gardens, native plant beds, and rain gardens. Moist pond edges and stream banks also suit its needs. Small groups work well with ferns or hostas. These companions fill the space after green dragon dies back. Growers can raise it from seed or divide established plants. Leave wild plants undisturbed, since sources describe them as uncommon. Sources report no major pest or disease problems.

Calcium oxalate makes the raw plant unsafe to eat. Eating it can irritate and swell the mouth and throat. Fruit pulp and leaf sap may also irritate skin. Sources record root use as food only after extensive processing. They also record past medicinal and ritual uses. These records do not make the raw root safe.