Stefan Bloodworth, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Phil Patrie, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Sally and Andy Wasowski, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
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JACK IN THE PULPITBotanical 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 |