Friar's Cowl

Arisarum vulgare

Physical Characteristics

Arisarum vulgare is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf from October to July, in flower in May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked. The acrid juice should first be removed by thorough and repeated washing leaving behind a nutritious and innoxious residue[2, 105, 177]. Thorough drying or cooking will also destroy any harmful elements of this root[K]. The root is frequently used as an emergency food in times of scarcity, it is about the size of a walnut[2]. One report suggests that the leaves might be edible[177]. If they are they must be well cooked first[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

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[65].