No images found for this plant ID: 3625.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3625" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Jack in the pulpit
Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum
Family: Araceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum, commonly known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, is a fascinating and distinctive wildflower found in woodlands.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals called raphites, similar to those found in philodendrons and dieffenbachias.
- All parts of the plant are considered to cause poisoning if eaten.
Considerations for Children
- A favorite of children, Jack-in-the-pulpit is known for producing a cluster of bright red berries in late summer and fall, which may be tempting.
- All parts of the plant are considered to cause poisoning if eaten.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott
- Common Names: Jack-in-the-pulpit, bog onion, brown dragon, Indian turnip, American wake robin, wild turnip, dragonroot, devil's dear, wake robin, starch wort, wild turnip, pepper turnip.
- Family: Araceae (Arum family)
- Synonyms: A. atrorubens, Arum triphyllum
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to eastern and midwestern North America.
- Found in rich, moist deciduous woods.
- Grows in the moist understory of woodland habitats.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Herbaceous perennial plant.
- Stemless plant typically growing 1-2 feet tall (approximately 30-90 cm).
- Has one or two long-stalked leaves, each divided into three leaflets. Distinguishing it from the green-dragon (Arisaema dracontium) which has 5-13 leaflets.
- The "pulpit" is botanically referred to as a spathe, often striped purple and green.
- The "Jack" is the flower-bearing spadix, an erect spike covered in tiny flowers.
- In late summer, a cluster of bright red berries appears. The berries have a soft and fragile skin.
Quirky Facts
- The plant's name comes from the structure of its flower, where a tiny upright flower spike looks like a tiny man standing in an old fashioned church pulpit.
- The plant has the ability to change sex.
- The singular appearance of the mace-like cluster of red berries has inspired a plethora of folk names.