Land Plants - invasive

Italian Arum (Arum italicum) on Apr 14, 2022

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Medium-sized herb. Waxy, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves with contrasting white veining/marbling. Growing in multiple dense clusters from underground corms.

Commentary

None

Remedy

Italian arum can be difficult to eradicate once established. Make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves and pants when removing it, as its sap can cause skin irritation. Do not compost or put in your yard debris, as this can lead to spreading of tubers which can grow into new plants. Home control methods can include carefully digging out the tuber and any daughter tubers and disposing in the trash. Cutting and disposing of the berries in the trash can help prevent spreading to new sites. Herbicide trials are still inconclusive, please contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District if you are interested in chemical control.

Resources

Washington State Noxious Weed Board info on Italian Arum

Location

Found sprouting along the trail at Killin Wetlands where Waterfowl Way intersects with Peat Swamp Trail, on the downhill/south side of the trail over a distance of about 200 feet or so. Growing in grass between clumps of radish, dock, blackberry, etc. Between 45.6148355, -123.1544862 and 45.6147349, -123.1553030.

Expert Reviewer

Tyler Pedersen
Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District

© 2025 Portland State University | Contact us for questions regarding site content