FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Triangular leaves with parallel side veins, radiating from the sides of the main veins.
Synonym(s): Peltandra tharpii
Description: Emergent perennial herb with thick root stock. Plants about 0.5 m to 1 m tall, usually found in shallow water.
Leaves: Triangular, 3-nerved (with 3 main veins), on long stems. Leaves 10 to 40 cm long.
Flowers/Fruit: Inconspicuous, yellow flowers on a fleshy spike (spadix), surrounded by a fleshy leaf-like structure (spathe). Fruits are pods with large green or black berries. Flowers in May/June; fruits soon after flowering.
Habit and Range: Bogs, freshwater marshes and perimeters of lakes and ponds. Found throughout North Carolina, except in the northwest Mountains.
COMMON CONFUSIONS:
Peltandra virginica (green arrow arum) can be confused with Sagittaria latifolia (broadleaf arrowhead), which has major leaf veins all radiating from one point at the base of the leaf. Peltandra virginica leaves could also be confused with the leaves of Pontederia cordata (pickerelweed), which have no midrib and are not as pointed.
Click here to view Sagittaria latifolia.
Click here to view Pontederia cordata.
Link to side-by-side comparisons page
