Water Arum
Calla palustris
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Pl. AAC6 — Calla palustris
Calla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustrisCalla palustris
IOverview
Overview
Water Arum (Calla palustris) is a perennial herb native to northern and eastern regions of Europe and Asia, as well as parts of North America. Known for its edible roots and seeds, this plant thrives in wet environments such as marshes and along the edges of ponds. It can be found growing in various habitats including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 6.5–7. The plant reaches a height of about 0.3 meters and is adaptable to hardiness zones 4-8. One distinctive feature of Water Arum is its preference for wetter conditions, making it a valuable addition to gardens or natural landscapes where moisture levels are consistent.
Quick answers
What is Water Arum?
Water Arum (Calla palustris) is a perennial herb native to northern and eastern regions of Europe and Asia, as well as parts of North America. Known for its edible roots and seeds, this plant thrives in wet environments such as marshes and along the edges of ponds.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Water Arum thrives in wet conditions and prefers light to heavy soils with a pH of 6.5–7. It requires partial shade or full sun depending on the intensity of light (light requirement 6/10). The plant is hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 4-8. For propagation, division of rhizomes can be done after flowering. Water Arum grows to a height of about 30 cm and is a perennial forb/herb. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth.
Light
6/10
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Water Arum for the first time
8steps
Start with Water Arum as a simple perennial for beginners, focusing on basic care and observation.
- 1
What you'll need
Water Arum bulbs or seeds, potting soil suitable for wet conditions, containers with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or in late summer before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix with a pH of 6.5–7, ensuring containers have adequate drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 2-3 inches deep in the soil; for seeds, sow them just below the surface.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter before new growth emerges; harvest roots carefully after they are established.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to provide partial shade, using incorrect soil pH.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitRootSeed
Edible uses: The Water Arum is edible and its fruit, root, and seeds can be consumed. The roots are typically prepared by cooking or drying before eating. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AustriaBelarusBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyRussia
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, Chita, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Indiana, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Labrador
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Growing zone
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