Golden-club (Orontium aquaticum, Sp. Pl.: 324 (1753))

Family: Araceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 324 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Orontium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. U.S.A. to Texas

Description

Golden-club, known scientifically as Orontium aquaticum, is a picturesque aquatic plant that belongs to the Araceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant has captivated the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.

Golden-club is indigenous to the eastern United States, extending its range through to Texas. The plant typically thrives in shallow waters like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where it forms striking colonies that can be spotted from a distance.

One of the most distinctive features of Golden-club is its unique, club-shaped inflorescence. The spadix is encased in a powdery yellow spathe that gives the plant its common name. The spadix rises elegantly from a rosette of lanceolate, dark green leaves that float or emerge slightly above the water surface, creating a lush and vivid display.

These resilient leaves are coated with a waterproof substance, making them repel water efficiently—a handy adaptation for an aquatic lifestyle. The leaf stalks, or petioles, are long and can reach lengths of up to three feet, allowing the Golden-club to thrive in varying water depths.

Golden-club flowers from early spring to late summer, with its flowering period varying slightly based on geographic location and local climate conditions. The aesthetic appeal and unique structure of its flowers make it a favorite among those who cultivate aquatic or bog gardens.

Despite its delicate appearance, Golden-club plays a robust ecological role in its native habitats. It offers shelter and breeding grounds for various aquatic fauna, including insects and amphibians. Additionally, the plant’s dense colonies help stabilize the soil and sediment at the bottoms of water bodies, reducing erosion and improving water quality.

While primarily a native wildflower, Golden-club can also be an attractive addition to artificial aquatic landscapes. When cultivated in garden ponds, it can add a touch of natural elegance and support local biodiversity.

In conclusion, Orontium aquaticum or Golden-club is not only a botanical marvel but also an ecological asset. From its striking spadix and leaves to its essential role in aquatic ecosystems, it is a plant that exemplifies both beauty and functionality.

Common Names

Dan: flerårig knopskulpe, håret knopskulpe, kiddike, orientalsk knopskulpe
Swe: flerårig stäppsenap, hårig stäppsenap, orientalisk stäppsenap, strandrättika, guldkolv
Fin: kurttusaksanretikka, peltoretikka, sileäsaksanretikka
Nor: lodnevindbukk, russevindbukk, åkerreddik
Eng: golden-club, goldenclub
En: Golden-club, Goldenclub
Zh: 金棒芋亚科
Hr: Zlatni buzdovan
Cs: Vodoklas vodní
Da: Flerårig Knopskulpe, Håret Knopskulpe, Kiddike, Orientalsk Knopskulpe
Fi: Keltapuikelo, Kultapuikelo, Kurttusaksanretikka, Peltoretikka, Sileäsaksanretikka
No: Lodnevindbukk, Russevindbukk, Åkerreddik
Sv: Guldkolv, Flerårig stäppsenap, Hårig stäppsenap, Orientalisk stäppsenap, Strandrättika

Synonyms

• Pothos ovatus (Walter)
• Orontium angustifolium (Raf.)
• Orontium aquaticum f. natans (Glück)
• Aronia aquatica ((L.) Baill.)
• Orontium aquaticum f. terrestre (Glück)
• Amidena undulata (Raf.)
• Orontium vaginatum (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Meneerke bloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Meneerke bloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2010 by EOL − Patrick Coin (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Agnieszka Miszta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2021 by Nicolas Delarue (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Audrey Lund Misner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Egon Krogsgaard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Dani Howell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by anca isabela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Meneerke bloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Meneerke bloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Meneerke bloem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Dave Pape (public)

Taken Apr 4, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Apr 4, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Chlad Martin (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5330733)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:87585-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orontium aquaticum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth