Arum Maculatum May 2026

: Following the flower, the plant produces a spike of berries that transition from green to a striking bright orange-red by late summer.

Arum maculatum , commonly known as or Cuckoo Pint , is a woodland-dwelling perennial plant native to much of Europe, including the UK. It is widely recognized for its unique flowering structure and its extreme toxicity, containing needle-sharp calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate pain and swelling if ingested. Key Identification Features arum maculatum

: It is frequently mistaken for wild garlic (Ramsons) or sorrel . Unlike garlic, Arum leaves have a "border vein" running just inside the edge and do not smell like onions when crushed. Traditional and Modern Uses : Following the flower, the plant produces a

: The plant is "thermogenic," meaning it generates heat and emits a foul, dung-like odor to attract flies (specifically Psychoda phalaenoides ) for pollination. Key Identification Features : It is frequently mistaken

: A specialized structure consisting of a pale green, hood-like spathe enclosing a purple, rod-shaped spadix . It blooms from April to May.