Cuckoo Pint
Arum maculatum
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Pl. 8F0D — Arum maculatum
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IOverview
Overview
Cuckoo Pint (Arum maculatum) is a perennial plant native to much of Europe and the Mediterranean region, thriving in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. Known for its edible leaves and roots, this plant can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. It is widely distributed across countries such as Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Great Britain, and others, making it a familiar sight in many European landscapes. One distinctive feature of Cuckoo Pint is its large heart-shaped leaf with a prominent spadix hidden beneath the hooded spathe, creating an intriguing appearance that sets it apart from other plants.
Quick answers
What is Cuckoo Pint?
Cuckoo Pint (Arum maculatum) is a perennial plant native to much of Europe and the Mediterranean region, thriving in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. Known for its edible leaves and roots, this plant can grow up to 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cuckoo Pint (Arum maculatum) thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium, well-draining soils with a pH of 7–7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 5-9 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.5 meters. This plant requires partial shade to full sun but should be protected from strong winds. For propagation, division or seed sowing can be used. The edible parts include the leaves and root, though they are best harvested after frost for better flavor.
Light
3/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Cuckoo Pint for the first time
8steps
Start with Cuckoo Pint as a simple perennial in your garden for its unique appearance and easy care.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Cuckoo Pint plant or seeds, gardening gloves, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining but moisture-retentive, with a pH of 7-7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the ground about 10 cm apart and 2.5 cm deep.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this period to help establish the plant.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry spells, and mulch around the base for moisture retention. Prune dead leaves as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead foliage to maintain a neat appearance but avoid cutting into the main plant.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough space between plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Cuckoo Pint's leaves and roots are edible but require careful preparation to remove toxic compounds. Typically, the plant is boiled or steamed before consumption. The leaves can be used fresh in salads after blanching, while the root is often cooked and served as a vegetable. Skip the raw parts due to their toxicity.
Other uses:Starch
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 24 native· 1 introduced
Europe18 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaSpainSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (1)Denmark
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Kriti, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8f0dc78f-2703-4b01-876c-5fd32ef1d067
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