Lysichiton camtschatcense

Family: Araceae

What it is like

Lysichiton camtschatcense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from February to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Bogs and wet places, also by ponds and lakes.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - they must be thoroughly cooked otherwise they are poisonous.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The plants have very large leaves and form a slowly spreading clump. They can be grown as a ground cover, spaced about 1 metre apart each way.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a wet or damp humus-rich soil in full sun or semi-shade. Grows well by water or in the bog garden. Succeeds in shallow water. Hardy to about -15°c Young plants require protection from slugs. Plants are slow to establish at first, taking some years, but they can then become naturalized and self-sow. The flowers are sweetly scented according to one report, whilst another says that the plant emits an unpleasant animal smell. Hybridizes with L. americanus.

Propagating it: The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots in a cold frame. Keep very moist, preferably by emmersing the pot in 2 -3 cm of water. Germination is usually good, taking place within 1 - 2 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in trays of water in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in the middle of autumn or mid to late winter, but no later than this because the plant will be coming into growth.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

The plant is rich in calcium oxylate, this is toxic and if consumed makes the mouth and digestive tract feel as though hundreds of needles are being stuck into it. However, calcium oxylate is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. album. L. japonicum.