White cobra lily Arisaema candidissimum
White cobra lily (Arisaema candidissimum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to South-west China (Sichuan, Yunnan) and south-east Tibet. It grows 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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White cobra lily at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-west China (Sichuan, Yunnan) and south-east Tibet |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is White cobra lily toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, especially the tuber
Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with White cobra lily
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about White cobra lily
- How far apart should I plant White cobra lily?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does White cobra lily need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White cobra lily need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is White cobra lily?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does White cobra lily flower?
- From about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is White cobra lily poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat.
- What grows well with White cobra lily?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for White cobra lily. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of the cool, misty Himalayan and west Chinese mountains: it wants moist, humus-rich soil and shelter from hot sun and drying wind, and sulks in hot, humid summers.
- In early summer, long after you have given up on it, a hooded spathe appears, white striped with pink and sweetly scented, followed by a single big three-lobed leaf. Introduced by George Forrest in 1914; grow the tuber in rich, well-drained woodland soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Taro Colocasia esculenta
- Calla lily (arum lily) Zantedeschia aethiopica
- Caladium (angel wings) Caladium bicolor
- Lacy tree philodendron Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
- Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa
- Giant taro (elephant ear) Alocasia macrorrhizos
- Flamingo flower Anthurium andraeanum
- Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) Xanthosoma sagittifolium