Arum italicum

Italian arum, Italian Arum

Family: Araceae · Type: perennial · Not Native

Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes

Italian arum is a naturalized perennial found in northern coastal California, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento Valley, and southern coastal regions in disturbed, shaded areas at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces a distinctive yellow-tipped inflorescence arising from a large bract up to 32 centimeters long. Growing with a horizontal tuber and broad leaves less than 35 centimeters wide, it develops striking orange-red fruits that emerge after flowering. Its large green leaves are supported by petioles up to 42 centimeters tall, creating a dramatic presence in shaded woodland environments. As an introduced species, it thrives in disturbed habitats, forming dense patches in sheltered locations.

Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed, generally shaded areas

Bloom period: Mar-Jun

Elevation: < 500 m

Bioregions: NCo, NCoRO, ScV, SnFrB

California counties: Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Sacramento, Butte, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Mariposa

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.