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Herbaceous Perennial

Arisarum proboscideum

mouse plant

A rhizomatous perennial producing mats of arrow-shaped, glossy, green leaves up to 15cm long. The flowers appear in spring; a dark purple-brown spathe with a long narrow tip, like a mouse's tail, and a white base

Other common names
mousetail plant
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Purple White Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Araceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Arisarum are small perennials that develop from tubers or rhizomes. They produce dense clumps of long-stalked, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves and clustered, tiny flowers wrapped in curious hooded spathes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SW Spain, C & S Italy

How to grow

Cultivation

Needs woodland conditions - a moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in autumn or winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Garden edging
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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