PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT- WESTERN INVASIVES NETWORK Revised April, 2020

847 NW Monroe Ave. Corvallis, OR 97330 (541) 910-8769

Photo: Travis Johnson

1Photo: Liz West************ NOXIOUS WEED ALERT************

Italian Italian arum (Arum italicum), also known as Digging and disposing of the small “orange candleflower” and “Italian lords and underground corms in the garbage can help. ladies,” is a non-native perennial that was However, manual removal is only introduced as an ornamental . It has recommended on small patches, because if now naturalized and appears to be the plant is not completely eradicated, the spreading. Arum italicum is a woodland soil disturbance can increase its spread. If and prefers moist, well-shaded you have it on your land, do not let it go to environments. It’s extremely difficult to seed. Wearing gloves, cut and bag all seed eradicate once it becomes established and heads, and dispose of them in the garbage. may spread from residential gardens into The variegated, exotic and showy red fruits woodland areas. For more info on Italian arum: make it an attractive garden plant. Unfortunately, Western Oregon is the perfect environment for Why is it a problem? WA Noxious Weed Control Board unwanted invasions. (Photo: East Multnomah SWCD) This plant is problematic because of its ability Lower Hudson PRISM to form a dense cover in open sites. It can out-compete native and prevent their The Western Invasives Network encourages establishment. you to report Italian arum, in an effort to inform future management priorities across Italian arum is also toxic to humans and western Oregon. (not currently listed by animals. All parts of Italian arum are state of Oregon) poisonous. Handling of the plant can cause skin irritation and ingestion can cause How Do I Report Italian Arum? swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat. Report Online at: Breathing difficulties can follow as well as https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/ burning pain, upset stomach and even death.

What Can You Do? -or-

One of the best ways to control this plant is Call 1-866-INVADER to prevent its spread. Often, chemical control only burns back foliage and does not -or- hurt the corms (like bulbs) underground. Contact your local CWMA