Green-Dragon

Arisaema dracontium

Physical Characteristics

Arisaema dracontium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Wisconsin, Nebraska and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root. Considered to be edible once it has been dried, aged and elaborately processed[222]. The root contains calcium oxalate crystals - these are destroyed by drying the plant or by thorough cooking[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Women's complaints The dried and aged root was used by the N. American Indians in the treatment of 'female disorders'[222, 257]. The plant (leaves?) were chewed in the treatment of asthma[213].

Known Hazards

The plant contains calcium oxylate crystals. These cause an extremely unpleasant sensation similar to needles being stuck into the mouth and tongue if they are eaten but they are easily neutralized by thoroughly drying or cooking the plant or by steeping it in water.