Land Plants - invasive

Italian Arum (Arum italicum) on Jun 21, 2022

Submitter has sample
EDRR Status: Local expert notified

Description of specimen

No berries yet this year. Long heart shaped leaves. A stalk covered in red berries when blooming.

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

Italian Arum plant found in woods behind house. Approx 20 feet from Oak Creek.

Expert Reviewer

Samuel Leininger
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
4-County Cooperative Weed Management Area
Columbia Gorge Cooperative Weed Management Area

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