Land Plants - invasive

Italian Arum (Arum italicum) on Mar 21, 2025

Submitter has sample
EDRR Status: Local expert notified

Description of specimen

This invasive plant’s new emergence occurred about a month ago. I have removed 12 locations in the Park and two on my residential property.

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

The virtual entire front yard contains Italian arum and it is spreading to surrounding areas including Iron Mountain Park.
Address is 3100 Edgemont Rd. Lake Oswego, OR. 97035

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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