Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum)

Common Names of Lords and Ladies Plant:

 

Lords and Ladies, Cuckoo Pint, Jack in the Pulpit, Adam and Eve, Arum Lily, Wild Arum, Snake Root, Devils and Angels.

​

Identification of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Scientific name: Arum maculatum

• Herbaceous perennial growing 20-50 cm tall

• Arrow-shaped leaves, sometimes spotted with dark purple

• Distinctive purple/brown spadix surrounded by a pale green spathe

• Bright red-orange berries in late summer

• Dies back completely in winter

• Emerges in early spring with glossy leaves

• Underground tuber/corm

 

Possible Lookalikes of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Italian Lords and Ladies (Arum italicum)

• Wild Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

• Dock leaves when young

• Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

 

Meaning of the Latin Name Arum maculatum:

​

• Arum: from Greek "aron" meaning "heat" (referring to the spadix heating up to attract pollinators)

• Maculatum: from Latin meaning "spotted" (referring to the sometimes-spotted leaves)

 

Foraging Season for Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Roots: Late autumn to early spring when the plant is dormant

• IMPORTANT: Not recommended for foraging due to high toxicity

 

Food Use of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Historically, roots were processed to make a starch called Portland Powder

• NOT RECOMMENDED for modern food use due to high toxicity

• All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals

• Historical processing required extensive treatment to remove toxins

 

Medicinal Use of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Historical use in traditional medicine (NOT recommended)

• Used externally for treating rheumatism and skin conditions

• Internal use extremely dangerous

• No validated modern medical applications

 

Other Uses of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Ornamental garden plant

• Indicator of ancient woodlands

• Important for wildlife (berries eaten by birds)

• Historical use as laundry starch

• Educational purposes in botanical studies

• Ecological role in supporting biodiversity

 

Safety Notes for Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• EXTREMELY TOXIC - all parts

• Contains calcium oxalate crystals

• Causes immediate burning sensation in mouth and throat

• Can cause severe swelling of throat and tongue

• Berries particularly attractive to children but highly poisonous

• Can cause skin irritation on contact

• Potentially fatal if large amounts ingested

 

Harvesting Tips for Lords and Ladies:

​

• NOT RECOMMENDED for harvesting

• If collecting for study:

  • Wear gloves

  • Keep away from skin and eyes

  • Never harvest berries

  • Photograph instead of collecting

  • Get landowner's permission

  • Avoid disturbing wildlife

 

Preparation and Storage of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Not applicable for food use

• For botanical specimens:

  • Store pressed specimens separately

  • Label clearly as poisonous

  • Keep away from children and pets

  • Use proper protective equipment

 

Additional Tips for Foragers of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Best treated as a "DO NOT FORAGE" plant

• Focus on photography and observation

• Important to recognize for safety reasons

• Learn to identify to avoid accidental collection

• Teach children to avoid the bright berries

• Document locations to avoid during other foraging activities

• Study the plant's role in the ecosystem

• Record seasonal changes

• Report locations to local botanical groups

 

Ecological Importance of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds, small mammals, and insects

• Contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem health, particularly in woodlands and forests

• Serves as an indicator of ancient woodlands

 

Conservation Status of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• While not considered endangered, it is protected in some areas due to its cultural and historical significance

• Always check local regulations before harvesting or removing Lords and Ladies plants

 

Cultural and Historical Significance of Lords and Ladies Plant:

​

• Lords and Ladies have a rich history and cultural significance, often associated with various rituals, ceremonies, and mythological stories across different cultures

• Historically used for laundry starch and in traditional medicine​​