Dragon arum - Dracunculus vulgaris (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Dragon arum

Also known as: Voodoo lily, Snake lily

Dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) is an aroid species native to the Balkans. This species is also called the black arum, the voodoo lily, the snake lily, the stink lily, the black dragon, the black lily, and dragonwort. Dragon arum grows best in full sunlight.

Scientific classification

Species

Dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris)

Water plantains and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer

Harvest Time

61 cm to 91 cm

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green, Silver

Leaf Color

30 cm

Flower Size

Red

Fruit Color

Purple, Red, Black

Flower Color

Green, Purple, Gray, Silver, White, Black

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Dragon arum

Distribution of Dragon arum

Distribution Map

Dragon arum is native to the Mediterranean. It is found on rocky slopes. It has been introduced to the United Kingdom and Portugal as a garden ornamental.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Shady garden areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

This very uncommon flower rarely makes its way into cultivated gardens due to its overpowering rotten meat stench. However, dragon arum can be placed (far) away from windows, doors, sidewalks, or other common areas as a standalone specimen piece, for it does have a very interesting look. Dragon arum could be suitable in Mediterranean-style gardens or unique garden beds.

Name Story

Dragon arum: If you look at the spadix and spathe, it seems to like the tongue of a fire-breathing dragon. In this representation, the long spadix is being viewed as a small dragon hiding in the spathe. Therefore, it is called dragon arum.

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Toxicity

Dragon arum is toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals causing severe mouth, throat, and digestive tract irritation when ingested, sometimes leading to breathing obstruction. Symptoms include severe mouth pain, nausea, drooling, vomiting, sore throat, and diarrhea. Immediate veterinary care is essential upon ingestion to ensure the animal's well-being.

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Quickly Identify Dragon arum

Tall inflorescence reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) with purplish-black spathe and central black spadix.

Fan-shaped, palmately divided leaves with 9-15 finger-like lobes and dark green mottled with white.

Maroon tubular spadix flower with wavy margined spathe, up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall.

Pear-shaped berries changing from green to orange-red, clustered tightly, 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm).

Pale grey-green pseudostem with dark purple-black markings, straight, 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) thick.

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Care Guide for Dragon arum

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Dragon arum originates from the Mediterranean region and prefers moderate moisture without waterlogging. It is drought-tolerant, requiring weekly watering for optimal health. This outdoor plant thrives on rainwater during its growing season, enhancing its foliage and inflorescence appearance.

Fertilize: Fertilization enhances growth and flowering for dragon arum. Use a balanced fertilizer monthly in spring-summer at half-strength, avoiding over-fertilization. In winter, reduce application to support dormancy. Water after fertilizing and avoid foliage contact to prevent burns for optimal health.

Pruning: Dragon arum requires careful pruning to thrive. Remove dead leaves in early spring and lightly trim in late spring for size management. Use sterilized tools to prevent disease. Pruning enhances air circulation and promotes robust flowering, improving dragon arum's appearance and vibrancy.

Propagation: Dragon arum propagates best in Spring via tuber division. It's an easy process, indicated by new shoot growth. For optimal results, ensure tubers are healthy and properly spaced.

Repotting: Spring is the ideal time for annual repotting of dragon arum, following its growth cycle. Use a large pot for its tuber, and provide well-draining soil with moderate water. Regular check-ins can help ensure optimal care for this striking garden plant.

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Images of Dragon arum

Distribution of Dragon arum

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Dragon arum

Care Guide for Dragon arum

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