Appearance

Growth form

A perennial that grows in clumps from a rhizome, usually 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) tall.

Leaves

The large, dark green leaves are shaped like arrowheads.

Flowers

A white spathe surrounds a yellow spike of many tiny flowers.

Look-alikes

Peace lilySpathiphyllum wallisii

Both have a white spathe and a central spike. Calla lily has broad, arrow-shaped leaves, while this peace lily has narrower leaves that taper to a point and is usually kept indoors.

Why they get mixed up · Their white spathes look alike.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Moist garden beds
• Pond edges
• Coastal wetlands in California

Range

Native to southern Africa, it is grown in U.S. gardens and has escaped into coastal California, where it is considered invasive.

Preferred conditions

It prefers moist soil and sun to partial shade. Outdoors, it is most reliable in plant hardiness zones 8 and warmer.

Life cycle

Seed dispersal

In coastal California, birds disperse its seeds.

Growing it

Propagation

Clumps can be divided as the underground rhizomes spread.

Toxicity

All parts can irritate the mouth if eaten and are toxic to pets.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

The usual form has a white spathe, but garden varieties such as Green Goddess and Pink Mist show other colors.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• Many colorful mini callas are other calla species or plants bred by crossing species.