In defense of Arisaema triphyllum

[Ellen Hornig]

Since Ray keeps trashing our beloved native species, I feel compelled to
come to its defense!  The fact that it "grows all over the place" does not
mean it lacks merit; A. consanguineum grows even more "all over the
place", according to our intrepid Yunnan explorers (not to mention A.
franchetianum and other weedy Yunnanese arisaemas).

Forms of A. triphyllum vary widely, as we all know; there are five-leaved
forms, great statuesque forms, all-green forms, forms with deep maroon
spathes and white stripes, forms with lime-green spathes and white
stripes, and even, in one or two gardens (and boy, do I wish in mine) a
"black" form.  This is a species which I, at least, would prefer to a
number of duller ones I could name.  Sure, it's easy to grow; and it can
seed excessively in the garden, but few plants are as easy to deadhead as
an arisaema - I mean, you have about three months in which to do the dirty
deed, right?

So let us all raise a glass in honor of the lowly A. triphyllum, and
remember that every plant is a weed when it grows in the wrong place.

Happy Holidays to all-

Ellen

Ellen Hornig
Seneca Hill Perennials
3712 Co. Rte. 57
Oswego, NY 13126