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Arisaema consanguineum

cobra lily

Araceae

Eastern and southeastern Asia (Himalayas, China, Thailand, Taiwan)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Arisaema consanguineum is a tuberous perennial reaching 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). A single pseudostem supports one large palmate leaf divided into 11–20 narrow, lance-shaped leaflets radiating from a central point, each leaflet 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long with elongated drip tips that extend 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) beyond the blade. The spathe is 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, green to purple-brown with white longitudinal striping, narrowing to a long, tail-like extension at the tip that can trail 8–12 inches (20–30 cm). The spadix extends beyond the spathe as a long, whip-like appendage. Clusters of bright red berries, each 0.3 inch (8 mm) in diameter, develop on female plants in late summer. Growth emerges in mid to late spring. Tubers increase in size annually and may eventually produce offsets, though colonization is slow. Foliage senesces and disappears by mid-fall, leaving no above-ground presence through winter. Tubers are vulnerable to rot in poorly drained winter soils.

Native Range

Arisaema consanguineum is native to a broad range across eastern and southeastern Asia, from the eastern Himalayas through China, Thailand, and into Taiwan. It occurs in montane forests, forest margins, and scrubby hillsides at elevations of 3,300–10,500 feet (1,000–3,200 m) in humus-rich, well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Planted in woodland gardens and shaded borders at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing, often paired with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials that fill the space during winter dormancy. Grown in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) in a humus-rich, freely draining mix. The tall pseudostem and radiating leaflets create a canopy effect in shaded understory plantings.

How to Identify

Identified by the single palmate leaf with 11–20 narrow leaflets, each terminating in a long, thread-like drip tip extending 2–4 inches (5–10 cm). The spathe has a long, tail-like extension that distinguishes it from A. candidissimum and A. sikokianum, which have shorter, broader spathe hoods. The whip-like spadix appendage extending well beyond the spathe is a further distinguishing feature.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowers appear in May–June in zones 7–9 and June–July in zones 5–6. The spathe persists for 2–3 weeks before withering. Fruit clusters develop on female plants and ripen to bright red by August–September, persisting until foliage senescence in October.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Green to purple-brown with white striping

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant tubers 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep in humus-rich, well-drained soil in fall or early spring. Consistent moisture during the growing season supports foliage and fruit development; drought causes premature leaf senescence. Winter drainage is essential—tubers rot in waterlogged soils during the dormant period. Slugs feed on emerging shoots in spring, especially in wet conditions. Plants may take 2–3 years to flower from newly planted tubers. Mark planting locations to prevent accidental digging during the long dormancy from November through April.

Pruning

No pruning required. Spent spathes wither and decompose naturally. Foliage yellows and collapses in fall; brown leaves can be removed or left in place. Berry clusters can be left for seed collection or removed to prevent self-sowing.

Pruning Schedule

fall