Planting and Growing the Green Dragon Plant

Also known as the dragonroot, the green dragon plant is native to the United States. It is botanically known as Arisaema dracontium, or by the synonym Muricauda dracontium. It is from the arum family of plants.

Green Dragon Description

Growing one to three feet high, this has a single leaf that will fork and look like two leaves. Flower stalks hold a greenish spadix that sticks out from the green spathe. It is this long-tipped spadix that looks like a lizard's tongue. It has a hooded greenish cylinder. White flowers are tiny, with no sepals or petals. Berries are orange-red and occur after flowering. Bloom season is between April and June.

Growing Guide

Plant a green dragon in full sun or partial shade with a moist, slightly acidic, soil. Propagate by seed or by tuber division. Seed needs cold moist stratification for two months prior to sowing. Tuber division should occur in the late summer after the plant dies down.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in woodlands.

Uses

This was once used as a Menominee Tribe medicinal and ritual plant. It was put into sacred bundles and gave second sight to dreams. Small woodland creatures and birds eat the berries.

Warnings for the Green Dragon Plant

The green dragon has calcium oxalate crystals and other toxins, making it poisonous in all parts. It should not be ingested by any living creature.

Source: NPIN