Arisaema heterophyllum, commonly known as the dancing crane cobra lily, is a perennial herb native to the understory of deciduous and mixed forests, as well as shaded areas along streams and in mountainous regions of East Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Inner Mongolia. It typically grows to a height of 20-60 cm and features a distinctive spadix inflorescence surrounded by a large, green, hood-like spathe that resembles a cobra’s head. The flowering season extends from April to June, with the flowers being more interesting than showy. Following the flowering period, the plant produces cylindrical red berries that are attractive but should not be consumed as they are poisonous.

The dancing crane cobra lily is valued for its unique and exotic appearance, which adds a dramatic touch to shade gardens and woodland plantings. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil and thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. It is relatively low maintenance but should be protected from strong winds and direct sunlight. While not commonly used in urban planting, it can be a fascinating addition to botanical collections and gardens with a focus on Asian plant species.CC BY-SA 4.0