Friar's cowl (Arisarum vulgare)
Care, watering, light and tips for Friar's cowl on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Araceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Friar's cowl
Arisarum vulgare, commonly known as Friar's Cowl or Arum Lily, is a small, tuberous perennial plant belonging to the Araceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its arrow-shaped leaves and a unique, hooded greenish or brownish inflorescence resembling a cobra's head. It is ideal for shady rock gardens, woodland gardens, or as an understory plant in temperate climates.
Native range
Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East)
Care tips
It thrives in partial to full shade, avoiding intense direct sunlight that can scorch its leaves. Watering should be moderate, keeping the substrate slightly moist during the growing season and significantly reducing it when the plant enters summer dormancy. It requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and a common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which can lead to tuber rot.
How to save a dying Friar's cowl
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft stems, no flowering.
- First aid
- Check drainage, reduce watering, move to partial shade and ventilation.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, rotting its underground corms.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if its corms are not completely rotted and overwatering is corrected.