Benton SWCD is excited to introduce our Weed of the Month series. Like other SWCDs, we believe in the importance of highlighting invasive species not only for identification purposes but also for better understanding of their ecological impacts. Each month on our newsletter and here on our blog, we will be featuring a new invasive species and include information about how to identify it, what its ecological impacts are, and best practices for removal and management.

Our very first weed of the month for February is…Italian arum!

Italian arum (Arum italicum) is a perennial member of the arum (Araceae) family. This species is often planted as an ornamental garden addition due to its charismatic arrow-shaped leaves, charming flower spathe, and bright red berries. Though striking in appearance, Italian arum is not the best option for your garden. Italian arum is considered a noxious weed in neighboring Washington State. Once this species is established (often in shady, moist areas), it spreads prolifically and can easily displace other native species. It does this by growing below-ground tubers that eventually sprout new above-ground vegetation.

When it comes to removal methods, manual excavation of the plant seems to produce the least amount of regeneration. Because of this, it is extremely important that in addition to removing the vegetative parts above-ground, you also make sure to dig at least a few inches into the soil to remove all tubers. It is also important to cut and dispose of its bright red berries in the fall before they drop seeds. Be sure to wear gloves when handling this plant as it may cause skin irritation for some individuals.