Indian-turnip
Arisaema triphyllum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Arisaema triphyllum is a native woodland wildflower found throughout eastern North America, blooming in May and June with distinctive hooded flowers that attract beetles and flies as pollinators.
Indian-turnip is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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.
Indian-turnip is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
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
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
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.
Growing Indian-turnip
Grow Indian-turnip in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Arisaema triphyllum naturally grow?
- Indian-turnip is native to most of eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
- When does Indian-turnip bloom?
- Arisaema triphyllum typically blooms in May and June, producing its characteristic hooded spathe flowers in late spring.
- What pollinators visit Indian-turnip flowers?
- The flowers of Arisaema triphyllum are primarily pollinated by beetles and flies, which are attracted to the plant's distinctive spadix and spathe structure.
- What growing conditions does Indian-turnip prefer?
- This woodland plant thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist soil, making it ideal for naturalized woodland gardens and shaded areas.
- Is Indian-turnip toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Indian-turnip is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Indian-turnip toxic to cats?
- Yes. Indian-turnip is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Indian-turnip toxic to livestock?
- Indian-turnip is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Indian-turnip HOA-friendly?
- Indian-turnip takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
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