Jack-in-the-Pulpit
(Arisaema triphyllum)
Left: Arisaema triphyllum in ASMSA Garden in Spring 2024.
Above: Arisaema triphyllum blooming.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Jack-in-the-Pulpit is hardy, being able to live in either shade or sun, but prefers shade and wet/moist environments. It also likes humus soil.
Growth Habit/Description:
Perennial, deciduous wildflower, 2'-3 tall, has large glossy leaves.
Bloom Season:
Purple or brown striped hooded flower with stalk in the center, blooms in March, April, May, and June. Small red bundles of fruits appear in July and October.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes, keeps its green foilage within the colder seasons.
Distribution
Habitat: Jack-in-the-Pulpit grows on the forest floor and in woodlands in moist, shaded areas.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? No
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
No.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Attracts pollinators and birds with its interesting foliage and pollen. It also attracts birds and the Eastern box turtle with its berries. In the winter and fall, it also provides coverage with its green leaves. It is pollinated by gnats and flies as well.
Other Interesting Facts
Highly Poisonous:
While some animals, like birds and turtles, can consume this flower, deer, cats, dogs, and humans will have immense pain and discomfort if they ingest any part of the plant. Consumption will cause swelling in the mouth, throat, and/or lips, as well as drooling and vomiting. This is due to the calcium oxalate crystals present throughout the plant.
Plenty of Nicknames:
Due to the interesting shape of the flower, Jack-in-the-Puplit has many names! These include: Bog onion, Brown dragon, Devil's ear, Dragon root, Indian Cradle, Lady-in-a-chaise, Lord-and-Lady, Memory root, Pepper turnip, Starch wort, Three-leaved indian turnip, Wake robin, and Wild turnip.
Destroyer of Gender Norms:
Perhaps Lord-and-Lady is a more fitting name for this flower, as it can switch back and forth between female and male between years, as well as male plants becoming hermaphroditic with both female and male parts.
References
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Raleigh (NC): North Carolina State University. Arisaema triphyllum. [Cited 2024, May 1]. Available from: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arisaema-triphyllum/
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. Austin (TX). Arisaema triphyllum. [Cited 2024, May 1]. Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARTR
Last edited by Kira Burnett, May 2024.