The genus Arum encompasses around 32 species native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, all sharing the same theatrical seasonal rhythm: foliage in autumn, flowers in spring, then dormancy through the summer months when most gardens are at their most demanding. Growing 1 to 2 feet tall, the plants make useful ground cover in shaded areas where little else is willing to perform in winter. The hooded spathe and central spadix are followed by clusters of bright red-orange berries that persist into summer, long after the foliage has retreated. Several species carry variegated leaves that are showy in their own right.

The genus name derives from the Greek word for 'poisonous,' which is a fair warning: all parts of these plants are toxic to people and animals, though birds eat the berries and disperse the seeds without apparent harm. Cultivation is straightforward — well-drained moist soil in part sun to part shade, and a degree of patience. They are reliably deer-resistant, which in shaded woodland edges is often the deciding factor. Some species have escaped cultivation on the Pacific Coast and become invasive; it is worth checking local guidance before planting in those regions.