This Spring we've been noticing a nice looking leaf plant. Unfortunately it is short lived as it dies back as soon as any hot sun hits it. Then it shoots up a spire of "berries" which go from from green to bright oranges (btw, in one photo the stuff that's around the base of some of those spires is sweet woodruff I think). Can anyone identify this large-leaf plant? Thanks.
Right on! Thanks much. Even though it appears to be a rather dangerous plant from the pov children, ours is mostly an adults-only garden. Aside from its brief spell of whithered greenery after polination, the brightly coloured spires make a welcomed addition to small corners especially after many other plants have also become tired near the end of Summer. For even greater affect, we look forward in corralling them into larger groves.
It will naturalize, and can be difficult to remove once established. That said, I rather like the patch in my garden.
