Indian Turnip
Arisaema quinatum
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Pl. F8DE — Arisaema quinatum
Arisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatumArisaema quinatum
IOverview
Overview
Indian Turnip (Arisaema quinatum) is a perennial herb found in the southeastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Texas and into Tennessee. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil and can tolerate partial sun to full shade. Known for its edible root, Indian Turnip is native to this region and has been utilized by local communities. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 1 meter tall, making it a notable presence in the landscape. Its adaptability to various light conditions and soil pH (4.8–7) makes it versatile for gardeners looking to add a unique touch to their landscapes while enjoying its culinary benefits.
Quick answers
What is Indian Turnip?
Indian Turnip (Arisaema quinatum) is a perennial herb found in the southeastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Texas and into Tennessee. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil and can tolerate partial sun to full shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indian Turnip thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is a perennial that grows up to 1 meter tall and can be propagated through division of the rootstock. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. For best results, maintain soil pH between 4.8 and 7.0. Harvest the edible roots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Indian Turnip for the first time
8steps
Start with Indian Turnip as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Arisaema quinatum bulbs or seeds, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix with light sand for better drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep, about 6 inches apart in the garden. For seeds, sow them shallowly and keep moist.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Shield from direct sun to prevent drying out.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage after flowering to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soils, not providing enough shade, neglecting to mulch for winter protection.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Indian Turnip's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is cooked before consumption to ensure safety. The root can also be dried for later use. Skip the raw form due to potential toxicity concerns.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f8de657f-e5bf-4d69-921d-e3922efc4f81
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