Cuckoo pint - Arum maculatum (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Toxic)

Cuckoo pint

Also known as: Adam and eve, Wake robin, Snakeshead, Adder's-root, Devils and angels, Soldiers diddies, Cheese and toast

Cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum) is a perennial that will grow to 51 cm tall. It blooms in spring with male and female flowers that spring be yellow or purple. Male flowers have tiny hairs to trap insects that are attracted by the scent of the blossoms. This entrapment covers the insect in pollen before it can escape to pollinate other flowers. Female flowers give way to bright red berries in summer that are highly poisonous.

Scientific classification

Species

Cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum)

Water plantains and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Winter

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 40 cm

Plant Height

7 cm to 22 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Red

Fruit Color

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Cuckoo pint

Distribution of Cuckoo pint

Distribution Map

Cuckoo pint, a plant species, is natively widespread across temperate regions of Western Asia and Europe, including the Mediterranean Basin. In terms of its non-native range, cuckoo pint has been introduced to certain parts of Northern Europe and Southeast Asia, where it has established itself in several locales.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedgerows, woodlands, copses

Culture

Garden Use

Cuckoo pint is a flowering perennial that produces bright red and oranges berries during the fall. It is valued in woodland and shade gardens for its attractive flowers and colorful berries. Gardeners should take care to control the growth of this species through rhizomes so it does not overtake other species in gardens where it is planted. Cuckoo pint is sometimes planted in informal cottage gardens as well along perennial borders.

Interesting Facts

All parts of the cuckoo pint are poisonous - the berries particularly so. Its roots can, however, be consumed, but only if cooked properly. The root was historically made into a drink before tea and coffee rose to the forefront. More commonly, the root was used to create linen starch. Some English monasteries made their linens exclusively from cuckoo pint.

Name Story

Cuckoo pint: The cuckoo pint goes by many common names that relate to its resemblance to sexual organs. Even the word "pint" relates not to a unit of measurement, but to the word, "pintle," which means penis. Various parts of the plant resemble both male and female anatomy, so some of its names indicate both.

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Toxicity

Cuckoo pint poses a severe toxicity risk to humans upon ingestion, causing intense irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The plant is mildly to moderately toxic to cats and mildly to severely toxic to dogs, causing burning pain, gastrointestinal issues, and difficulty swallowing. Extreme caution is advised to prevent accidental ingestion.

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Quickly Identify Cuckoo pint

Arrow-shaped leaves with distinct purplish-black patches

Erect spadix flowers in deep purple to pale yellow hues

Orangish-red berries clustered in oblong cylindrical spikes

Glossy mid to deep green leaves measuring 3-11 inches tall

Spathe with narrow purple band and greenish-white interior

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Care Guide for Cuckoo pint

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Cuckoo pint thrives in moist soil like its native woodland habitat and prefers consistent moisture, though it is moderately drought-tolerant. Weekly watering supports its growth, especially during active seasons when water needs increase. It is commonly grown outdoors as an herbaceous perennial.

Fertilize: For cuckoo pint, apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active spring and summer growth, reducing application in fall and pausing in winter. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from sap. Ensure even fertilizer distribution and follow label instructions for optimal growth.

Pruning: Cuckoo pint features mottled leaves and hooded spathes, requiring minimal pruning in early to late spring. Focus on removing dead foliage to boost new growth. Maintain soil moisture, avoid over-pruning, and enhance air circulation to reduce disease risk and support overall plant health.

Propagation: Cuckoo pint is a woodland plant with arrow-shaped leaves and hooded flowers. Propagation involves sowing spores from ripe berries, requiring cold stratification. Use a well-draining, humus-rich substrate for germination, maintaining consistent moisture. Once robust, seedlings can be transplanted carefully to minimize root disturbance.

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