Indian-turnip
Arisaema triphyllum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Indian-turnip is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states
Pollinators
beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Indian-turnip is a unique woodland wildflower that produces distinctive hooded flowers in spring followed by clusters of bright red berries in fall. This shade-loving native grows from an underground corm and goes completely dormant by midsummer, disappearing until the following spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian-turnip takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant by midsummer leaving bare spots
- Unusual appearance may seem too wild or weedy
- Very brief above-ground presence limits landscape impact
Wildlife value
The unusual flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination. The bright red berries provide food for birds and small mammals in late summer.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Indian-turnip and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.