Jack-in-the-pulpit
Jack-in-the-pulpit (*Arisaema triphyllum*) is a spring woodland wildflower in the arum family, native to eastern North America.
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a spring woodland flower in the arum family, native to eastern North America. It is known for its hooded flower structure, where a spathe encloses a central spadix that gives the plant its common name, and for its calcium oxalate content, which makes it toxic if eaten. The plant is native to Canada and occurs in eastern provinces, including Nova Scotia and Ontario, with sources also noting its broader range into Manitoba.
Description
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a shade-loving woodland plant with a distinctive flower structure. The actual flowers are tiny and are borne on a spadix enclosed by a hooded spathe, which often has green, purple, or striped coloration. The plant typically has one or two large leaves divided into three leaflets. It is a herbaceous perennial wildflower that grows about 1–3 feet tall.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to eastern North America and occurs in moist forests, floodplains, marshes, and other shaded, organic-rich habitats. It is found from parts of Canada, including Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Manitoba, south through much of the eastern United States.
Toxicity and uses
All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if consumed without proper preparation. Historical sources also note medicinal and other traditional uses by Indigenous peoples and later settlers, though the plant’s toxicity is well documented.
Life cycle
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a long-lived perennial that emerges in spring and often dies back by midsummer after flowering and fruiting. Mature plants can live for decades and may spread gradually from a corm-like structure. They produce red or scarlet berries in late summer or fall.
Key facts
- The plant’s common name refers to its unusual inflorescence: the spadix (“Jack”) is enclosed by a hooded spathe (“pulpit”).
- It is native to eastern North America and is found in both the United States and Canada.
- The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and is poisonous if ingested.
- It typically has one or two large leaves divided into three leaflets.
- Mature plants may produce red or scarlet berries in late summer or fall.
Jack-in-the-pulpit is native to Canada and occurs in eastern provinces, including Nova Scotia and Ontario, with sources also noting its broader range into Manitoba.[3][14]
Frequently asked questions
What is Jack-in-the-pulpit?
Why is it called Jack-in-the-pulpit?
Is Jack-in-the-pulpit poisonous?
Where does Jack-in-the-pulpit grow?
What does it look like?
Does it produce fruit?
References
- U.S. Forest Service — https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/arisaema-triphyllumSupports: Native habitat, perennial habit, corm-like growth, common name and species identity.
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arisaema-triphyllum/Supports: Scientific name, common name, height, toxicity, and calcium oxalate content.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arisaema_triphyllumSupports: Native range in eastern North America including Canada and taxonomic context.
- Native Plant Trust Go Botany — https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/arisaema/triphyllum/Supports: Leaf structure, habitat, subspecies note, and traditional uses.
- Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands — https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/nature_exploration/docs/jack-in-the-pulpit.pdfSupports: Moist shady woodland habitat and species description.
- Chesapeake Bay Program — https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/jack-in-the-pulpitSupports: Plant appearance, flower structure, height, and berry production.
- University of Wisconsin Arboretum — https://arboretum.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2015/03/PI_Jack-in-the-Pulpit.pdfSupports: Name origin, flowering period, size, habitat, and native range.
- Grow Native! — https://grownative.org/native_plants/jack-in-the-pulpit/Supports: Flower structure, leaf arrangement, berry production, and toxicity.