Peltandra virginica
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. Vol. 1: 444.
What is Green Arrow Arum?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Arrow shaped
- Rounded at base
- 10-12 inches long
- 5-6 inches wide
- Bottom is whitish in color
- Clustered along stalks
Flowers:
- Small
- Yellow in color
- Stalk surrounded by bracts
- Bract yellowish-green in color
- Bract slightly spreading
Stem:
- Thick
- Fleshy
- Stores water
- Up to 3 feet long
Where Does it Grow?
Green arrow arum can be found in swamps, marshes, and along the banks of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
Pros and Cons of Green Arrow Arum
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.