Green Dragon
(Arisaema dracontium)
Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium)
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Evan Barker
Public Domain
Image By:
Evan Barker
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Evan Barker | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Evan Barker | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-07-04T14:55:42-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Arisaema dracontium, commonly known as Green Dragon or Dragon-root, is a herbaceous perennial native to moist woodland areas, floodplains, and swamps of Eastern and Central North America. It typically grows 20–50 centimeters (7.9–19.7 inches) tall during its blooming period and can reach up to 100 centimeters (39 inches) post-flowering. The plant features a unique flower structure with a single slender, green spathe surrounding a tapering, long thin spadix that resembles a dragon’s tail, hence the common names. This structure emerges in spring and is not particularly showy, but it is intriguing and adds an exotic touch to shade gardens. The spadix eventually produces up to 150 berries that form a club-shaped column, turning from green to orange-red in late summer, each containing 1 to 3 seeds.
Green Dragon is valued for its unusual floral architecture and the striking color transition of its berries. It is used in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as an accent in shaded borders. It thrives in part shade to full shade, preferring consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While it is not drought-tolerant, it does not like to be waterlogged. Green Dragon is relatively low maintenance but can be slow to establish. It has no major disease problems, but gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Green Dragon is valued for its unusual floral architecture and the striking color transition of its berries. It is used in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as an accent in shaded borders. It thrives in part shade to full shade, preferring consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While it is not drought-tolerant, it does not like to be waterlogged. Green Dragon is relatively low maintenance but can be slow to establish. It has no major disease problems, but gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist woodland areas, floodplains, and swamps of Eastern North America
Other Names
Common Names: Dragon-Root, Greendragon, Arisème Dragon, Ariséma Dragon
Scientific Names: , Arisaema dracontium, Arum dracontium, Muricauda dracontium, Arisaema boscii, Arisaema plukenetii, Arum exsertum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Arisaema dracontium (L.) Schott