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.

Why is it called Lords and Ladies Plant?

The plant known as Lords-and-Ladies, scientifically referred to as Arum maculatum, derives its name from its distinctive flower structure resembling male and female genitalia, symbolizing copulation. This evocative appearance led to various names through history, including Cuckoo Pint and Adam’s Needle, as well as more risqué names avoided in polite conversation. Found commonly in woodlands and hedgerows, Lords-and-Ladies feature a pale green sheath surrounding a spadix with tiny flowers, eventually producing bright red, toxic berries.

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

What happens if you touch lords and ladies berries?

If you touch the berries of the Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum) plant, you may experience skin irritation and swelling. The berries, like all parts of the plant, contain oxalate crystals that can cause an immediate burning sensation upon contact with the skin. Prolonged or significant exposure can lead to more severe allergic reactions, including intense irritation or blistering.

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

Should you remove Lords and Ladies Plant from the garden?

Whether to remove the Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum) plant from your garden depends on your specific circumstances. If the plant is growing in a wildlife or low-maintenance area, it can be beneficial for biodiversity, especially in shaded and tricky parts of your garden.

However, if the plant is spreading too aggressively or posing a risk to children or pets due to its toxicity, removal might be necessary. Control measures include digging out tubers, deadheading flowers to prevent self-seeding, and careful disposal of plant parts to avoid further spread.

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