© Carlos Simões, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · GBIF
Dracunculus spp.
dragon arum
Overview
Dracunculus spp. is a small genus of two tuberous perennials in the arum family, Araceae, native to the Mediterranean region, the Balkans, and the Atlantic islands. D. vulgaris, the more commonly grown species, rises from a fleshy tuber to 60-120 cm (24-48 in) tall, with a stout, purple-mottled pseudostem and a large, deeply divided pedate leaf up to 40 cm (16 in) wide. In late spring it produces a single large inflorescence: a deep maroon to near-black spathe 20-50 cm (8-20 in) long wrapped around a dark, erect spadix. For one to two days the spadix warms and releases a strong carrion odour that draws flies, which pollinate the small flowers at its base. Red berries follow in late summer as the leaves die down, and the plant rests through the dry season. D. canariensis from the Canary Islands has a greenish-white spathe and a milder scent. The genus grows on rocky hillsides, in scrub, and on disturbed ground, and all parts contain irritant calcium oxalate crystals.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region, the Balkans, and the Atlantic islands, where D. vulgaris ranges from the Balkans and Greece across the central Mediterranean and D. canariensis occurs in the Canary Islands and Madeira. Plants grow on rocky hillsides, in scrub, and on disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in Mediterranean and gravel gardens, dry borders, and rockeries, and naturalised in sunny, well-drained sites. Also kept in containers where the summer-dormant tuber can be moved to dry shelter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, when a single large spathe opens for one to two days. The dark spadix warms and gives off a strong carrion scent that draws flies for pollination. The display is brief, and red berries develop on the old spadix through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
deep maroon to blackFoliage Description
green with purple-mottled stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in free-draining soil and tolerates poor, rocky ground. Plants are summer-dormant, needing moisture from autumn through spring and dry conditions while the tuber rests in summer. The genus is hardy to about USDA zone 6 with a dry winter mulch over the tuber. Tubers multiply over time and are lifted and divided during dormancy. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate skin and mucous membranes.Pruning
Spent inflorescences are removed after flowering unless berries are wanted for seed. Yellowing leaves are cut to the ground once they die back in summer. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons