Land Plants - invasive

Italian Arum (Arum italicum) on Apr 3, 2023

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

See images below: There were a couple handfuls of these plants when I moved here in 2007-2008. Then about 10 years ago, 2013?, they started to spread each season. A straight line sprung up alond a fence line from south neighbor's yard. 4-5 years ago, they started showing up on the west side of the driveway in the front of the house. Too bad the ants don't eat them! Old Town Forest Grove is one enormous anthill!

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

Back yard, from neighbor's yard to the south, spreading down east and west sides of house, growing in clay soil.
Neighbor's yard to west is also being attacked.

Expert Reviewer

Tyler Pedersen
Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District

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