These guys grow from small tubers.  They look like a small potato with the upper side somewhat flattened.  The leaves are divided into three and there usually just two leaves with the pulpit tucked between them.  All arums have the same structures so are easily identified.  Once the pulpit turns brown the seed cluster starts to show, which eventually turns from glossy green to glossy red/deep orange. At this time the two leaves turn yellow and flop downwards.  The cluster is made up of individual fruit with a seed inside each one! There can be anywhere from 18 to 30 seeds per cluster.  Squirrels and chipmonks  take the fruit and plant the seeds.  Takes 3 years from seed to flowering size tuber!

Theses guys grow in various conditions from full shade to full sun!   They are not fussy as to soil as long as it isn't hardpan clay, soil should be moist, but well draining.

Yes, Susan, it is a perennial! .....and it will last a lifetime!