Arisaema utile

Arisaema utile is a tuberous perennial in the arum family, Araceae. Its common names include cobra lily, dragon arum, and snailflower. Its native range runs from northeast Pakistan to western Yunnan, China, and northern Myanmar. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. In Nepal, it grows in forest gaps at high elevations. Other recorded sites include thickets and the edges of evergreen hemlock woods.

This small plant reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Its spread is about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. It grows from an underground tuber and flowers from May to June. Flies pollinate the flowers. Plants For A Future describes separate male and female plants. Both sexes must grow together to produce seed. The species does not fertilise itself. Its small size suits a sheltered border or woodland garden.

Choose a cool spot with moist soil and some shade. Loam or peat-rich soil suits it well. It also accepts light, sandy soil where drainage is good. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Sun is possible where soil stays moist and the site stays cool. Avoid hot, exposed spots and soil that stays waterlogged. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. Plant full-sized tubers about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres] deep. Add organic mulch for winter protection. Slugs can damage plants, so they need protection.

Grow new plants from seed or divide their tubers. Sow fresh seed in a shaded cold frame once ripe. Stored seed may need a cold spell before it sprouts. Seed can take one to six months to germinate. Keep young plants in pots under light shade for at least two years. Move them to their final site while dormant. Divide tubers after the top growth dies down in late summer.

Plants For A Future records cooked leaves and flowering spathes as food. This use comes with an important warning. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause sharp mouth and tongue pain. Do not treat raw plant parts as safe food. The source reports that thorough cooking, drying, or soaking can neutralise these crystals. It lists no known medicinal uses or other practical uses. Its supported garden role is as a small plant for cool, sheltered woodland settings.