Arisaema ringens, commonly known as Japanese cobra lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to forest understories and shaded slopes in East Asia, including the Zhoushan Islands of China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the Ryukyu Islands. It typically grows up to 18 inches tall and features a distinctive hooded spathe resembling a cobra’s head, which is green with white or purple striping. The plant blooms in spring, and its flowers are not particularly showy but are intriguing due to their unique structure. The foliage is glossy and trifoliate, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.

Japanese cobra lily is valued for its exotic and architectural appearance, making it a fascinating addition to shade gardens and woodland settings. It prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil and thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. While it is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, it requires protection from strong winds and excessive sun. In cultivation, it is often used as an accent plant or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect. Gardeners should note that Arisaema ringens can be slow to establish and may not flower in the first few years. It is generally disease-resistant but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0