Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Water Arum

How to identify Water Arum (Calla palustris)

Water Arum, also known as Water-Dragon, Bog Arum, Calla Lily, Marsh Calla

Water Arum is an aquatic perennial with a spadix of tiny flowers surrounded by a spathe, typically mistaken for a single flower. The heart-shaped leaves are glossy and arise on long stalks directly from the rhizome. Their dark green appearance contrasts with the more flamboyant spathes, which bloom in the summer. Fruits emerge after flowering, bearing red berries. The plant flourishes in shallow water, up to 6 inches (15 cm) deep, and spreads to form dense colonies.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Water Arum

1

Heart-shaped glossy leaves on long stalks directly from the rhizome.

2

Single flower with greenish spadix, creamy white spathe, and small yellow flowers.

3

Bright red obovoid berries, each approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter.

4

Smooth, green stem without branching, with petioles 3 to 8 inches (7.6 to 20.3 cm) long.

5

Leaves taper to a narrow point, measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm), with curling edges.

Water ArumWater ArumWater ArumWater ArumWater Arum

Detailed Traits of Water Arum

Leaf Features

The leaves of water Arum are medium to dark green and heart-shaped, tapering abruptly to a narrow point. They are simple with entire margins and edges that curl inward. Each leaf measures 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long and has a waxy, smooth texture. The veins are not prominently visible, contributing to the leaf's overall smooth appearance, and the uniform green color enhances its glossy look.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

Water Arum blooms from May to June with a single flower consisting of a greenish spadix and a creamy white spathe. The spadix, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, is densely covered with small yellow petal-less flowers. The spathe is oval to elliptic, measuring 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, exhibiting a waxy and smooth texture.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Stem Features

The stem of water Arum is smooth, green, and erect, contributing to its sturdy appearance. Typically, the petioles measure between 3 to 8 inches (7.6 to 20.3 cm) long and are notably stout, providing robust support for the plant. The stem lacks significant branching and maintains a consistent texture and color throughout its length, aiding in easy identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of water Arum is an obovoid berry transitioning in color from green or greenish-yellow when immature to a bright red at full maturity. They are approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter. Inside, the fruit has a gelatinous texture enclosing seeds that are 0.25 inches (0.63 cm) long and dark brown. These seeds are somewhat flattened and elliptical, contributing to the fruit's distinctive appearance.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Water Arum easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Water Arum

Attributes of Water Arum
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Flower Size
5 mm to 1 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Green
Fruit Color
Red
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Water Arum

Family
Arum
Icon allow
Species
Water Arum (Calla palustris)
Learn More About the Water Arum

Distribution Map of Water Arum

Water Arum can naturally be found in the boreal and temperate regions of Asia and Europe, extending into the northern parts of North America. It has been introduced and is now cultivated in a range of temperate locales, evidencing its adaptability to various habitats within these major regions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app