From: Deansliger <Deansliger at aol.com> on 1998.03.02 at 15:24:13(1933)
Mike --
There are several Aroids which are winter-hardy in our region. Two natives
come immediately to mind: Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), which has
a couple different "forms," and Dragon Arum (Arisaema draconitum); there are
also a few Asian Arisaema species hardy in our Zone. Several of the Asian
Pinellia spp. are also hardy. There are several legal (in the case of the
natives) sources of these plants.
Other natives include, Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica) is quite hardy but
prefers a bit of moisture, as do Golden Club (Orontia aquaticum) and Skunk
Cabbage ( Symplocarpus foetidus). I particularly like Skunk Cabbage for it's
giant, lush, tropical looking leaves. People always expect something
different when they think of Skunk Cabbage, but the smell of the flowers
really isn't noticable unless you stick your nose right inside the spathe.
Most of these plants can be found in catalogues specializing in pond and bog
plants.
I'm also told that at least one of the Amorphophallus species has winter hardy
tubers if given a heavy mulch, but I can't remember which species at the
moment.
Have fun!
Dean Sliger
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