Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima (Japanese Cobra Lily)

Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima (Japanese Cobra Lily) is a showy tuberous perennial boasting a long, curious, maroon-hooded spathe enclosing a cylindrical, maroon spadix with a long, whip-like tail that can reach 18 in. (45 cm). Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms emerge from the ground near the base of the leaf stem and are topped by a large, solitary horizontal leaf divided into 11-15 narrowly lance-shaped, dark green leaflets. Fertilized flowers will produce striking red berries that mature in mid to late summer after the leaves have faded. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate and are poisonous. A most ravishing plant for the woodland garden, it is easy to grow and requires very little care. The entire plant contains crystals of calcium oxalate and is poisonous.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall and wide (30-60 cm).
• Easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, medium to wet soils in partial shade to full shade.
• Best left undisturbed in the shady woodland garden, wild garden or native plant garden. Plant in groups of a dozen or more.
• Virtually disease and pest free.
• Propagate by root division or seed. Seedlings need three or more years of growth before they become large enough to flower.
• Native to Japan