Have you ever wondered if there are dragons in Iowa?  Well, that depends.  Green Dragon is the common name of a wildflower, Arisaema dracontium, found growing in cool, moist, shady woodlands around the state of Iowa.  It is not as common as its relative the Jack-in-the-Pulpit, A. triphyllum.

Green Dragon grows to a height of about 3 feet and is easily recognizable by its single leaf containing 5-15 leaflets in a semi-circular pattern.  The spring blooming flower is a tube-like spathe from which a long, slender, yellow spadix extends.  The spadix is often more than 8 inches in length and extends above the leaflets.  In late summer, the flowers of Green Dragon produce orange-red berries similar to those of the Jack-in-the-Pulpit.

With some imagination, this plant looks like a dragon breathing fire. If consumed, the chemicals in the plant would also cause you to breathe fire!  Take time to hike the Iowa Arboretum trails and enjoy the wildflowers and the peaceful surroundings.  Just be aware that somewhere in the woods, a dragon exists!