Peltandra virginica (L.) Schott

• Genus: Peltandra
• Botanical Background: Described as Arum virginicum by Linnaeus (1753) and later reassigned to Peltandra by Schott (1832). The genus name derives from Greek “pelte” (small shield) referring to stamen shape.

• Geographical Range: Native across the eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada; naturalized in parts of the West.
• Environment: Occurs in marshes, swamps, bogs, pond margins, and slow‑moving streams; tolerates full sun to deep shade and inundation up to 30 cm. Prefers silty or organic soils, pH 3–9.5.

Leaves

• Basal cluster of glossy, sagittate (arrow‑shaped) leaves up to 50 cm long

• Pale underside with pinnate venation

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spike‑like spadix enclosed by a greenish‑white spathe (15–20 cm long)
• Male flowers above, sterile in middle, female below
• Pollinated by chloropid flies (Elachiptera formosa)

Growth Habit

• Rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial that forms clonal clumps
• Emerges each spring from a stout rhizome

Light Requirements

• Full sun to part shade
• Tolerates heavy shade

Watering & Humidity

• Requires consistently wet to flooded soil
• Standing water ≤15 cm ideal

Soil & Potting Mix

• Rich loam or muck substrate
• Containers with drainage placed in shallow water

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Hardy USDA zones 5–9
• Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced N-P-K 10-10-10.

Division and Cuttings

• Divide rhizomes in early spring
• Ensure ≥2 buds per section and replant in wet soil

Seeds

• Collect berries late summer
• Remove pulp, stratify at 5 °C for one week, sow on surface of aquatic soil, maintain standing water

Typical Issues

• Generally pest‑free
• Occasional root rot if overwatered beyond tolerance

Treatment Recommendations

• Ensure proper drainage
• Remove infected tissue
• Apply organic fungicide if needed

• Historically used by Indigenous peoples as a starch source after detoxification
• Modern wildlife value includes fruit for ducks and rails

• Valued for architectural foliage in water gardens and for erosion control along pond margins

  
  

Wild Population Status

• IUCN Least Concern

• Locally endangered in Iowa

Market Availability

• Widely available from native plant nurseries
• Common in water garden trade