Arum maculatum - Lords and Ladies
This strange spring
flower first becomes apparent in January, when its narrow green spikes emerge from the
ground. Inside each spike is an unusual flower stem, bearing a purple flower. In fact this
is a compound flower, with the male above the female.
The flowers open in April and May, and then the hood
decays leaving a stem on which berries develop and ripen in the autumn.
Lords and ladies are a frequent sight beside riverside
paths and shady lanes in Wales. Their other common name is Cuckoo Pint.
This is a poisonous plant.
Wildflowers of Wales
This wildflower is one of many dozens that are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 1 - Woodland and Waysides.
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