Jack in the Pulpit

Stefan Bloodworth, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Phil Patrie, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Sally and Andy Wasowski, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

JACK IN THE PULPIT

Botanical Name: Arisaema triphyllum
Plant Family: Arum (Araceae)

Description: The stem, bearing one or two three-parted leaves, reaches 1-3' in height. Flowering occurs at the junction between two leaves. What appears to be a flower is actually a spathe, or hood, enclosing a dense spike of tiny flowers. The species is highly variable in appearance, and some consider it to be a group of three species. As the spathe withers, it is replaced by a cluster of berries that turn bright red by late summer. By that time, the one-leaved, non-flowering younger plants have gone dormant.

Native Americans foraged the fleshy roots, sometimes called Indian turnips, which are poisonous until cooked or thoroughly dried.

Growing Conditions: Part to full shade; medium to wet, humus-rich soil.

Bloom Time: Early, Apr - Jun
Bloom Color: Green, purple, brown

Benefit to pollinators/wildlife: Birds and mammals eat the berries.

Native Status: Native to Eastern US.

Location in habitat: Woodland Garden