Arisaema (Arisaema Serratum)

Features and Characteristics

Arisaema serratum is a tuberous woodland perennial that is native to Japan. It is closely related to the Jack-in-the-pulpit that is native to eastern North America (Arisaema triphyllum). It typically grows to 3-4′ tall. Each tuber produces a single mottled stem containing two pedate leaves, each bearing 7-20 obovate to lanceolate leaflets (to 2-5″ long). From the center of the leaf stalks rises a flower in spring. Each flower consists of a showy spathe (to 4-6″ tall) with a hood that covers the inner upright yellow-green flower spike known as the spadix. Spathe is green or purple with white stripes. Plants go dormant in summer after flowering, except hermaphroditic flowering plants will produce a cluster of red berries in mid to late summer which become visible as the spathe withers. Stalks, leaves, flowers and fruits give this plant a tropical aura. Roots contain calcium oxalate (same chemical as in Diffenbachia or dumb cane) and are poisonous. This species is synonymous with and formerly known as Arisaema japonica.

Genus name comes from Greek words aris meaning “arum” and aima meaning “red”, in reference to the red-blotched leaves found on some species.

Specific epithet means saw-toothed.