Arrow Arum: The Perfect Native Plant for Your Water Garden
Looking for a striking native plant that thrives in wet conditions? Meet the arrow arum (Peltandra), a gorgeous perennial that’s practically begging to transform your soggy garden spots into something spectacular. This North American native has been quietly stealing the show in wetland gardens for good reason – it’s both beautiful and incredibly easy to grow.
What Makes Arrow Arum Special?
Arrow arum gets its name from its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves that create an almost tropical look in temperate gardens. As a perennial forb, this plant lacks woody tissue but makes up for it with lush, architectural foliage that emerges fresh each spring. The leaves can grow quite large, creating bold statements wherever they’re planted.
During growing season, arrow arum produces interesting green spathe flowers that may not win any beauty contests but certainly add character to the garden. Think of them as conversation starters rather than showstoppers!
Where Arrow Arum Calls Home
This native beauty has an impressive range across North America. You’ll find arrow arum growing naturally from Canada down through the lower 48 states, including: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. It also grows in Ontario and Quebec.
Why Your Garden (and Local Wildlife) Will Love Arrow Arum
Choosing arrow arum means you’re supporting native ecosystems while solving common garden challenges. Here’s what makes it a smart choice:
- Native credentials: As a true North American native, it supports local wildlife and fits naturally into regional ecosystems
- Problem solver: Perfect for those perpetually soggy spots where other plants struggle
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
- Architectural interest: Those bold arrow-shaped leaves create stunning focal points
- Versatile placement: Works beautifully in rain gardens, pond edges, or naturalistic landscapes
Growing Arrow Arum Successfully
The secret to arrow arum success is simple: give it what it wants, and it’ll reward you handsomely. Here’s how to keep your arrow arum happy:
Perfect Growing Conditions
- Moisture: Consistently wet to marshy soil – think bog garden conditions
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (though it appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter climates)
- Soil: Acidic to neutral pH; rich, organic matter preferred
- Climate: Generally hardy in USDA zones 3-9
Planting and Care Tips
Arrow arum is refreshingly straightforward to grow. Plant it in spring in consistently moist soil – if you have a spot that stays soggy, you’ve found the perfect home for this plant. It spreads naturally through underground rhizomes, so give it room to expand or be prepared to divide it occasionally.
Once established, arrow arum needs minimal care. Keep the soil consistently moist (never let it dry out completely), and it’ll take care of the rest. In harsh winter climates, the foliage dies back but returns reliably each spring.
Is Arrow Arum Right for Your Garden?
Arrow arum shines in specific situations. It’s perfect if you have:
- Consistently wet or boggy areas in your landscape
- A rain garden or bioswale that needs native plants
- A pond or water feature edge that needs softening
- A desire to support native plant communities
- An appreciation for bold, architectural foliage
However, arrow arum might not be your best choice if you have dry garden conditions or prefer plants with showy flowers. This is definitely a foliage-first plant that demands consistently moist conditions.
The Bottom Line
Arrow arum represents everything we love about native plants: it’s beautiful, functional, low-maintenance, and ecologically valuable. If you’ve been struggling with wet spots in your landscape, consider this your invitation to embrace them with arrow arum. Your soggy soil problems will become your garden’s most interesting feature, and you’ll be supporting North American native plant communities in the process.
Ready to add some native charm to your wet spots? Arrow arum is waiting to prove that sometimes the best garden solutions are the ones that have been growing in your region all along.
