Upright Prairie Coneflower vs Water Arum - TreeTime.ca

Upright Prairie Coneflower vs Water Arum

Calla palustris

Ratibida columnifera

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Water Arum
Upright Prairie Coneflower

Water Arum is a native perennial wetland plant known for its showy white oval sheaths (spathe) that surround a yellow-green, cylindrical flower spike (spadix). It has large, oblong, heart-shaped leaves on stems that rise above the water from shallow, spreading rhizomes. The blossoms are followed in late summer by tiny, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental interest to wet habitats.

Water Arum provides food for birds and small mammals that eat its berries, and its flowers attract pollinators. It can tolerate cold climates and forms colonies in shallow water and saturated soils. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian planting, naturalisation, and habitat projects in wet and shaded environments.

Upright Prairie Coneflower is a native perennial wildflower known for its vibrant flowers, which range from golden yellow to dark rust-red with yellow edges. Rising on tall, slender stems, the flowers’ drooping petals surround a central cone. They bloom from midsummer into fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. After blooming, the florets on the cone eventually develop into seeds, which provide a food source for birds.

Its upright growth habit allows it to grow in clusters, creating a striking display. Due to its deep taproot, Upright Prairie Coneflower is drought tolerant, making it well suited to dry areas and xeriscape gardens. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, this wildflower is a great choice for adding vibrant color and ecological value to any landscape.

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Water Arum Quick Facts

Upright Prairie Coneflower Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 3b
Height: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: toxic if ingested

Flowers: white sheath around and yellow spike
Flowers: golden yellow sometimes with red-brown; has long central cone
Bloom time: spring to summer
Bloom time: early summer to early fall
Berries: red, in clusters
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: bog arum, swamp lily, wild calla, wild dragon
Other Names: long-headed coneflower, prairie coneflower, red-spike mexican-hat, yellow prairie coneflower