Italian arum is a shade-tolerant perennial that spreads aggressively through underground tubers and berry-dispersed seeds, forming dense colonies in gardens, woodlands, and riparian areas. It is toxic to humans and pets if ingested, and its sap can cause skin irritation. Because it is a broadleaf plant, selective broadleaf herbicides control it without harming most grasses.
Effective Italian arum control depends on destroying the underground tubers, not just the visible foliage. Foliar sprays work on small patches, while digging and cut-stump treatments are needed for established colonies. Timing applications for late winter and early spring, when the plant is actively growing, delivers the best results.
Italian arum is often found alongside desirable ornamentals in shade gardens, so product selection must account for surrounding vegetation. Some products carry long soil residual activity that can affect sensitive plants for months, and others are not safe around desirable broadleaf species.
In this guide, we review the best herbicides for Italian arum by examining foliar, cut-stump, and digging-based options, application methods, and safe-use practices for long-term control.
Best Herbicide For Italian Arum: Top 15 Options
1. Glyphosate – Best Overall Herbicide For Italian Arum
Glyphosate is the best overall herbicide for Italian arum because it is non-selective, systemic, and translocates to the tubers after foliar absorption. It kills both top growth and the underground storage organs, which is essential because Italian arum regrows readily from surviving tubers. It has no soil residual activity.
- Powerful Weed Control:Effectively kills over 130 types of weeds and grasses, reaching down to the roots to prevent regrowth. Perfect for driveways, sidewalks, fences, and garden areas.
- Covers Up To 26,000 Square Feet
Glyphosate is widely used for garden bed clearing, woodland management, and site preparation. It works best when applied to actively growing foliage in late winter or early spring, when Italian arum is pushing new growth and moving energy to its tubers. It is not selective, so it kills desirable plants on contact.
Resistance to glyphosate has developed in many weed species, so rotating to other modes of action helps preserve its effectiveness. It requires careful application to avoid drift onto desirable vegetation.
- Kills tubers and top growth
- Systemic translocation
- No soil residual
- Effective on perennial plants
- Works in garden beds
- Affordable price
- Trusted by land managers
- Non-selective
- Kills desirable plants
- Widespread resistance
2. Triclopyr – Best For Woody And Tough Perennial Plants
Triclopyr is the best herbicide for tough perennial plants like Italian arum because it targets broadleaf species while leaving most grasses unharmed. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated to the roots and tubers, killing the entire plant. It is available in ester and amine formulations.
- REVIVE FORESTS AND PASTURES: Triclopyr 4 Herbicide targets & controls woody plants, broadleaf weeds, & brush, making it ideal for restoring pastures and managing unwanted vegetation in forests, rangelands, and industrial sites without harming grasses
- YEAR-ROUND APPLICATION FLEXIBILITY: With flexible application options throughout the year, this broadleaf herbicide offers versatility for a wide range of conditions. Its ester formulation allows for effective absorption through leaves and roots
Triclopyr is used in fence rows, rights-of-way, and non-crop areas. It is effective on Italian arum, poison ivy, and other tough perennials when applied as a foliar spray or cut-stump treatment in late winter or early spring. It works best when applied to actively growing plants.
This product has moderate soil residual activity in some formulations. It can injure desirable broadleaf plants if applied carelessly, so careful targeting is essential around gardens and ornamentals.
- Controls tough perennials
- Safe for grasses
- Multiple formulations
- Absorbed and translocated
- Works in non-crop areas
- Widely used
- Trusted by land managers
- Can injure broadleaf plants
- Some soil residual
- Careful targeting required
3. Crossbow – Best Ready-Mixed Brush Herbicide
Crossbow is a ready-mixed herbicide combining 2,4-D and triclopyr for broad-spectrum brush and tough perennial control. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is widely used in rights-of-way, fence rows, and non-crop areas for Italian arum and similar plants.
Crossbow is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and industrial sites. It controls brush, vines, and tough broadleaf plants like Italian arum, blackberry, and poison ivy. It works best when applied to actively growing vegetation in late winter or early spring.
This product has moderate soil residual activity that contributes to its long-lasting control. It can injure desirable broadleaf plants if applied carelessly, so careful targeting is essential in mixed landscapes.
- Ready-mixed formulation
- Controls tough perennials
- Safe for grasses
- Convenient single product
- Works in fence rows and rights-of-way
- Long-lasting control
- Trusted by land managers
- Can injure broadleaf plants
- Some soil residual
- Restricted in some areas
4. Remedy Ultra – Best For Cut-Stump And Basal Bark Treatments
Remedy Ultra is a triclopyr ester formulation designed for cut-stump and basal bark applications on tough perennials like Italian arum. It is absorbed through cut surfaces and translocated to the tubers, killing the entire plant. It is highly effective on thick, established plants.
Remedy Ultra is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and forestry. It controls Italian arum, mesquite, huisache, blackberry, and other tough species. It works best when applied as a basal bark or cut-stump treatment in late winter or early spring.
This product requires an oil carrier for basal bark applications and careful targeting to avoid damage to desirable trees and shrubs. It is not suitable for use near water without an approved aquatic formulation.
- Effective on tough perennials
- Cut-stump and basal bark options
- Safe for grasses
- Absorbed through cut surfaces
- Works in fence rows and rights-of-way
- Long-lasting control
- Trusted by land managers
- Requires oil carrier
- Not for aquatic use
- Higher cost
5. Garlon 4 Ultra – Best For Basal Bark Applications
Garlon 4 Ultra is a triclopyr ester formulation designed for basal bark and cut-stump treatments on tough perennials like Italian arum. It is absorbed through bark and translocated to the roots and tubers, killing the entire plant. It is widely used in fence rows, rights-of-way, and forestry.
- Target Pests: 55 woody plants and more than 25 tough-to-control annual and perennial broadleaf weeds in noncrop areas - High-anxiety woody species - Cherry, loblolly pine, mesquite, red oak, sweetgum and Scotch broom. See Product label for all listed pests.
- For use In: Roadsides, railroads, pipelines, industrial sites, forests, grazing areas, and rights-of-way such as power lines - establishment and maintenance of wildlife openings and can be used on sites that include grazed areas. See Product label for complete list.
Garlon 4 Ultra is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and industrial sites. It controls Italian arum, poison ivy, tree of heaven, and ailanthus. It works best when applied as a basal bark treatment in late winter or early spring.
This product requires an oil carrier for basal bark applications and careful targeting to avoid damage to desirable trees and shrubs. It is not suitable for use near water without an approved aquatic formulation.
- Effective on tough plants
- Basal bark and cut-stump options
- Safe for grasses
- Absorbed through bark
- Works in rights-of-way and fence rows
- Long-lasting control
- Trusted by land managers
- Requires oil carrier
- Not for aquatic use
- Higher cost
6. 2,4-D – Best For Broadleaf Weed And Seedling Control
2,4-D is a selective broadleaf herbicide that controls Italian arum seedlings and small plants without harming most grasses. It is a synthetic auxin that causes uncontrolled cell division and twisting. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated throughout the plant.
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
2,4-D is used in fence rows, pastures, and non-crop areas to control broadleaf weeds and small perennials. It works best when applied to actively growing plants in late winter or early spring. It does not control established perennials on its own and works better as part of a tank mix.
Resistance to 2,4-D is increasing in some weed species. It is a restricted-use product in some formulations, and drift to sensitive broadleaf crops can cause serious damage.
- Selective for broadleaf plants
- Safe for most grasses
- Absorbed and translocated
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Works in fence rows and pastures
- Trusted by land managers
- Drift risk to sensitive crops
- Does not control grasses
- Weak on established plants
7. Dicamba – Best For Broadleaf Plants In Pastures
Dicamba is a selective broadleaf herbicide that controls Italian arum seedlings and other tough broadleaf plants in pastures and fence rows. It is absorbed through leaves, roots, and stems, making it effective under a wide range of conditions. It is often tank-mixed with 2,4-D for broader spectrum control.
- CROP-SAFE WEED KILLER: This herbicide weed killer targets broadleaf weeds in a variety of crops, including corn, soybean, cotton, sugarcane, and turf. Its fast-acting formula ensures long-lasting results, keeping your fields and pastures clean
- FLEXIBLE FIELD COVERAGE: Compatible with both ground and aerial application equipment, this broadleaf herbicide is easy to apply regardless of your farming setup. Whether treating dense vegetation or large-acreage fields, you can depend on consistent coverage
Dicamba is used in fence rows, pastures, and non-crop areas. It has some soil residual activity that extends control of germinating broadleaf weeds. It works best when applied to actively growing plants in late winter or early spring.
Dicamba is volatile and can drift long distances, damaging sensitive crops and garden plants. It is regulated in many states, with restrictions on timing and buffer zones.
- Broad-spectrum control
- Some soil residual
- Works with 2,4-D
- Effective on tough plants
- Widely available
- Affordable
- Trusted by land managers
- Highly volatile
- Long-distance drift risk
- State-regulated use
8. Imazapyr – Best For Long-Term Residual Control
Imazapyr is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls Italian arum and other tough perennials in non-crop areas. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is highly effective on deep-rooted plants with tubers.
- BROAD-SPECTRUM WEED CONTROL: The weed and grass killer concentrate is effective at controlling a wide range of weeds, including vines and hardwood brush. Ideal for forestry and rangeland, it provides lasting protection and eliminates tough vegetation
- VERSATILE APPLICATION METHODS: This weed and grass killer can be applied using multiple methods: broadcast, targeted handgun, low volume, cut stump, or basal application. It offers a flexible application for both large areas and specific vegetation
Imazapyr is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and non-crop areas. It controls deep-rooted perennials like Italian arum, Johnsongrass, Bermuda grass, and tree of heaven. It works best when applied to actively growing vegetation in late winter or early spring.
This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.
- Long soil residual
- Controls tough perennials
- Effective on tuberous plants
- Reduces repeat applications
- Works in non-crop areas
- Long-lasting control
- Trusted by land managers
- Long soil residual
- Can affect desirable plants
- Not for use near gardens
9. Picloram – Best For Deep-Rooted Perennials
Picloram is a selective broadleaf herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls Italian arum and other deep-rooted perennials. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is highly effective on tough broadleaf species.
- Effective: Kills cut stumps on fence lines&non-cropland areas. Control unwanted trees by cut surface treatments in forest&non-crop areas such as fence rows, roadsides&rights-of-way
Picloram is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, pastures, and non-crop areas. It controls a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds without harming established grasses. It works best when applied to actively growing plants in late winter or early spring.
This product has long soil residual activity that can affect sensitive broadleaf plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where legumes or sensitive crops will be planted soon after application.
- Long soil residual
- Controls deep-rooted plants
- Safe for established grasses
- Effective on tough species
- Reduces repeat applications
- Works in pastures
- Trusted by land managers
- Long soil residual
- Can affect sensitive plants
- Not for use near gardens
10. Aminopyralid – Best For Pasture Edges And Fence Rows
Aminopyralid is a selective broadleaf herbicide that controls Italian arum and other deep-rooted broadleaf plants in fence rows and pasture edges. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and translocated throughout the plant. It is highly effective on tough broadleaf species.
- Target Pests: . See Product label for all listed pests.
- For use In: Rangeland, permanent grass pastures, CRP Acres, non-cropland areas, non-irrigation ditch banks, natural areas, and grazed areas in and around these sites. See Product label for complete list.
Aminopyralid is labeled for fence rows, pastures, rangeland, and non-crop areas. It controls a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds without harming established grasses. It works best when applied to actively growing plants in late winter or early spring.
This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect sensitive broadleaf plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where legumes or sensitive crops will be planted soon after application.
- Broad-spectrum control
- Safe for established grasses
- Labeled for pastures
- Long soil residual
- Reduces repeat applications
- Works in fence rows
- Trusted by land managers
- Long soil residual
- Can affect sensitive plants
- Grazing and replanting restrictions
11. Glufosinate – Best Non-Selective Alternative To Glyphosate
Glufosinate is a non-selective herbicide that controls Italian arum and other vegetation through contact action. It is absorbed through leaves and acts on contact, with symptoms appearing within hours. It is often used as an alternative to glyphosate where resistance is a concern.
- NON-SELECTIVE BROAD-SPECTRUM CONTROL Provides post-emergence control of a wide range of broadleaf and grassy weeds, including tough and resistant species such as marestail (horseweed).
- EFFECTIVE ON RESISTANT WEEDS Ideal for managing weeds resistant to glyphosate and multiple herbicide modes of action, making it a powerful rotational or rescue treatment.
Glufosinate is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and non-crop areas. It has no soil residual activity, so it does not prevent new weeds from germinating. It works best when applied to small, actively growing vegetation with good spray coverage.
This product requires good spray coverage for effective control and works best on small plants. It is less effective on established Italian arum because it does not translocate to the tubers as strongly as systemic herbicides.
- Fast contact action
- Broad-spectrum control
- Alternative to glyphosate
- No soil residual
- Works in burndown programs
- Effective on resistant weeds
- Trusted by land managers
- Non-selective
- Requires good coverage
- Weak on established plants
12. Diquat – Best For Fast Burndown Of Foliage
Diquat is a non-selective contact herbicide that rapidly desiccates Italian arum foliage. It is absorbed through leaves and disrupts cell membranes, causing wilting and browning within hours. It has no soil residual activity and does not translocate to the tubers.
- INSTANT WEED CONTROL: Expect visible results within hours, as hydrilla killer starts working immediately on contact with green plant tissue, making it an ideal solution when fast, effective weed control is needed with minimal downtime
- GLYPHOSATE-FREE POWER: This non-selective aquatic herbicide for ponds provides broad-spectrum control without using glyphosate. It works quickly to kill a wide range of weeds and is ideal for those looking for an efficient and fast-acting substitute
Diquat is labeled for fence rows, driveways, and non-crop areas. It controls small plants and provides fast burndown where quick top-kill is needed. It works best when applied to small, actively growing vegetation with good spray coverage.
This product requires good spray coverage for effective control and works best on small plants. It is less effective on established Italian arum because it does not move into the tubers, meaning regrowth is likely.
- Fast burndown action
- No soil residual
- Effective on small plants
- Works in fence rows and driveways
- Widely available
- Affordable
- Trusted by land managers
- Non-selective
- No tuber kill
- Requires good coverage
13. Diuron – Best For Long-Term Soil Residual Control
Diuron is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls Italian arum and other vegetation in fence rows. It is absorbed through roots and inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible plants. It is highly effective on annual weeds and some perennials.
- FULL-CYCLE WEED PROTECTION: Tackle weeds before and after they sprout with Diuron herbicide weed killer’s dual-action formula. It is ideal for long-term control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in non-crop areas where consistent results matter most
- BUILT FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS: Built for demanding environments like highways, airports, and industrial zones, this weed killer delivers proven weed control where other herbicides fall short, keeping large-scale areas clear and low-maintenance
Diuron is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and industrial sites. It controls annual grasses and broadleaf weeds when applied before or after germination. It works best when applied to bare soil or small, actively growing vegetation.
This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.
- Long soil residual
- Pre and post-emergent activity
- Controls annual weeds
- Reduces repeat applications
- Works in fence rows and rights-of-way
- Affordable
- Trusted by land managers
- Long soil residual
- Can affect desirable plants
- Not for use near gardens
14. Bromacil – Best For Total Vegetation Control
Bromacil is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls Italian arum and other vegetation in fence rows. It is absorbed through roots and inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible plants. It is highly effective on tough perennial species.
- ALL-SEASON WEED GUARD: Bromacil weed and grass killer provides consistent suppression of tough annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds for up to 360 days, reducing the need for repeated applications and keeping your site weed-free
- SELECTIVE AND VERSATILE APPLICATION: Formulated for use in various non-crop areas, this pre-emergent weed prevention controls weeds without harming desirable plants, making it ideal for utility sites, railroads, pipelines, and industrial zones
Bromacil is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and industrial sites. It controls a broad spectrum of vegetation when applied to bare soil or actively growing plants. It works best when applied in late winter or early spring before soil warms.
This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.
- Long soil residual
- Total vegetation control
- Controls tough perennials
- Reduces repeat applications
- Works in rights-of-way
- Effective on tough species
- Trusted by land managers
- Long soil residual
- Can affect desirable plants
- Not for use near gardens
15. Hexazinone – Best For Total Fence Line Clearing
Hexazinone is a non-selective herbicide with long soil residual activity that controls Italian arum and other vegetation in fence rows. It is absorbed primarily through roots and inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible plants. It is highly effective on tough perennial species.
- Visible Results in One Hour - Spruce dehydrates to kill roots, showing visible results in just 1 hour, dead weeds in 1 day. The hardworking weed sprayer can kill all types of broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelions, large crabgrass, white clover, dollarweed and morning glory vines.
- Ready to Use Worry-Free Formula - Spruce grass and weed killer is safe to use around people, pets, and bees when used as directed, and one bottle can treat up to 400 weeds. This versatile weed killer spray is made with water, essential oils and surfactant.
Hexazinone is labeled for fence rows, rights-of-way, and non-crop areas. It controls a broad spectrum of vegetation when applied to bare soil around the base of established woody plants. It works best when applied in late winter or early spring before soil warms.
This product has significant soil residual activity that can affect desirable plants for months or years. It is not suitable for use where sensitive plants will be planted soon after application.
- Long soil residual
- Total vegetation control
- Controls tough perennials
- Reduces repeat applications
- Works in rights-of-way
- Effective on tough species
- Trusted by land managers
- Long soil residual
- Can affect desirable plants
- Not for use near gardens
Tips For Controlling Italian Arum With Herbicides
- Identify the plant first: Confirm that the plant is Italian arum and not another shade-tolerant perennial before treatment.
- Wear protective equipment: Italian arum sap can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling or treating it.
- Treat during active growth: Apply herbicides in late winter or early spring when Italian arum is pushing new growth and moving energy to its tubers.
- Combine digging and herbicide: Digging tubers is effective for small patches, but combining digging with herbicide treatment kills regrowth more completely.
- Prevent berry production: Remove seed heads before berries ripen to prevent birds from spreading seeds to new areas.
- Rotate modes of action: Using the same herbicide group repeatedly selects for resistant plants. Rotate between glyphosate, triclopyr, and other groups.
- Monitor and re-treat: Italian arum regrows from tubers and seeds. Scout treated areas several times per season and re-treat regrowth while it is small.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best herbicide for Italian arum?
Glyphosate is the best overall herbicide for Italian arum because it is systemic and kills the tubers. Triclopyr and Crossbow are best for tough perennial control in non-crop areas.
2. Will vinegar kill Italian arum?
Vinegar burns Italian arum foliage but does not kill the tubers. It works best as part of an integrated program combining digging, smothering, and systemic herbicides.
3. How do I kill Italian arum without killing nearby plants?
Dig out the tubers by hand for small patches, or apply glyphosate carefully to the foliage with a shield to protect surrounding plants. Cut-stump treatment also works for established clumps.
4. When is the best time to spray Italian arum?
Late winter and early spring are the best times to spray Italian arum because the plant is actively growing and moving energy to its tubers. Fall applications also work while the plant is storing energy.
5. Does Italian arum come back after spraying?
Italian arum can regrow from tubers and seeds after a single treatment. Repeated applications over two to three seasons are usually needed for complete control.
6. Is Italian arum toxic?
Yes, Italian arum contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The sap can also cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling it.
7. What is the difference between Italian arum and other arum species?
Italian arum (Arum italicum) has arrow-shaped leaves with pale veins and orange-red berries in fall. Other arum species like lords-and-ladies (Arum maculatum) have spotted leaves and different berry colors. Confirm identification before treatment.
Conclusion
Glyphosate is the best overall herbicide for Italian arum because it is systemic and kills the tubers. Triclopyr, Crossbow, and Remedy Ultra follow closely as the best options for tough perennial control in non-crop areas and gardens.
For long-term residual control, imazapyr, picloram, aminopyralid, diuron, bromacil, and hexazinone prevent new growth from establishing and reduce the need for repeat applications. These products are best used where total vegetation control is acceptable and where sensitive plants are not nearby.
Effective Italian arum control requires matching the product to the site, timing applications for late winter or early spring, using the right application method, and protecting surrounding vegetation. Rotating modes of action prevents resistance and keeps products effective over time.
Start your Italian arum control program this season, wear protective equipment when handling plants, and plan for follow-up treatments each year. Consistent effort over two to three seasons delivers a clean garden bed, healthy landscape, and long-term control.