Need help identifying this plant

[JJavins]

I need help identifying this plant, which has arrowhead-shaped leaves.* Some of the leaves are really large—about 7 or 8”.* I planted it last year and thought it had died out, but during the winter it really started flourishing.* It must be really hardy since it survived our West Virginia winter.* I have it planted in full sun and it has doubled in size and the leaves have really gotten big.* I’ve seen it growing in full sun and also growing in shady, rocky, mossy areas.* I’d like to know as much about it as possible so I’ll know what to expect.* Will it die out again, or keep on growing?* It has a stem of bright orange berries when it blooms.* The plant seems to grow to a height of about 12" or less.
It has grown so fast and is so beautiful, I have to wonder how much more it will spread.* Any info would be helpful.

Thanks for any help or advice.*
Joyce

[Newt]

Hi Joyce,

You have Arum italicum aka Italian arum aka Lords and Ladies.* It usually goes dormant in the summer, reappearing in the fall with the bright orange berries.* ALL PARTS OF THIS PLANT ARE POISONIOUS.* It can be invasive in many areas.* It's related to Arum triphyllum aka Jack in the Pulpit.
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/p....asp?code=Y760
http://www.worldplants.com/arum.htm

Newt

[JJavins]

Thanks so much for the information, Newt.

[Newt]

You are very welcome!

Newt