dragon root
Arisaema dracontium
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Light green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Dragon root (Arisaema dracontium) is a perennial for shade gardens, woodland gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Deer tend to pass it by. A curling, tongue-like spadix rises from a green spathe in mid season. Orange-red fruit follows in summer and fall.
Pairs well with Wild ginger, Cinnamon fern, and Jewelweed.
Native range
Eastern North America.