Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Scientific name: Arisaema triphyllum
This unusual native woodland plant earned its common name as the flower was thought to resemble a pastor at a pulpit. At first glance, to modern eyes, its flower resembles that of a calla lilly. Blooming in spring, and growing just 1-2 feet tall, it is a distinctive species that you might come upon in the right habitat. Jack-in-the-pulpit contains a poisonous substance called calcium oxalate crystals. Berries, foliage and roots of this plant can cause painful irritation if eaten. The roots can cause blisters on skin simply by contact.
Leaves
Two large dull green deeply veined leaves are divided into three leaflets each. In early spring, before this plant flowers, it can be mistaken for poison ivy. Male plants have one leaf while females plants have two.
Flowers
The shape of this flower is unlike any other native you might see in nature locally. The pulpit (called the spathe) is shaped like a sheath that also creates a hood over the ‘Jack” (called a spadix) The inside of the flower (spadix) is usually striped purple and green/white. The surrounding spathe is either green or purple.
Blooming Season
April till June.
Habitat
This plant is found in fertile moist soils in woodlands, along rivers or wetlands.
Ecosystem Connections
The mature plant will produce a cluster of red berries in mid to late summer. Wild turkey and some mammals will eat this berry,
Human Connections
Native Americans ground the corm (underground root) into a flour giving it the common name of Indian turnip. It is not poisonous if it is cooked.
Early spring.
Berries in late summer
Detail of flower
Close up of developing berries
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