Smith, R.W.
Calla palustris L.
Water arum, Water-dragon, Wild calla
Araceae (Arum Family)
The 5-10 in. water-dragon or wild calla has fleshy, jointed stalks and heart-shaped leaves on upright stems. The flowers are white with a hint of green, on a round spadix. Growing in water among
oblong heart-shaped leaves, is a broad white spathe around a spadix covered with tiny yellow flowers. A bright white,
elliptic spathe partially surrounds the spadix. The spathe/spadix is held on a 4-5 in.
stem above forking, creeping, partially exposed rootstocks. The
fruit is a red berry.
This
perennial, a more northerly species than the other arums in the East, is also found in Eurasia. It is very showy when in flower and, later, when bearing its fruit. The
genus name
Calla, its meaning uncertain, was used by Pliny; the species epithet
palustris means of marshes.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Fruit: Red
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , CT , IL , IN , IA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , NH , NJ , NY , ND , OH , PA , RI , VT , WI
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE Native Distribution: Que. to Alt., s. to MD, n. IN & MN
Native Habitat: Cool, shaded swales and bogs where water is stagnant
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Aquatic: yes
Soil Description: Shallow water or slightly acid, wet soil.
Conditions Comments: A light mulch is necessary in extremely cold, snowless winters. Wild calla will not survive a dry spell.
Benefit
Use Food: EDIBLE PARTS: Dried berries are edible. Dried seeds and rootstocks can be made into a flour, but used only in times of need. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Causes severe pain in mouth if ingested. Symptoms include burning and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, and throat; difficulty of speaking. Toxic Principle: Calcium oxalate crystals. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2012-07-06
