Also known as: Indian Turnip, Arisaema Triphyllum. Arum (Arisaema) Family.

Variations: Both a green variety and a grey-green variety are found in our area (below). The green variety appears to be more prominent. Some texts divide the species into three varieties, the Woodland Jack-in-the-Pulpit (A. atrorubens), Swamp or Small Jack-in-the-pulpit (A. triphyllum, the generally recognized species name), and Northern Jack-in-the-Pulpit (A. stewardsonii). Because the texts disagree on classification, I have not pursued the classification beyond a single species with variations.

Comments: Jack-in-the-Pulpit is among the most commonly recognized woodland wildflowers to people willing to stoop to its height. The plant grows about a foot high, usually in large colonies of individual plants; I have never seen more than two grow together in the closest proximity. It is best found in woodland areas near swamps, though not waterlogged areas. Bottomlands are not the only areas Jack-in-the-Pulpit grows. Because it lives in ecotonic areas, it associates with a variety of plants, including Toothwort, Hepatica, Wild geranium, Boodroot, Swamp Buttercup, and Prairie Trillium.

The name is derived from the spadix ("Jack") who sits in the spathe (the pulpit-like leaf). The spadix contains rows of black seeds (from tiny flowers) which resemble mushroom spores in appearance. The plant is not filled with water. The leaves resemble trillium leaves in appearance in that each is composed of three fleshy leaves. All are straight-veined.

Variations include the green-gray variety shown below.

I have transplanted this hardy species on several occasions. It grows especially well in bottomland areas with lots of moisture (but no standing water), where it is quickly reproducing in my garden. Be sure to include the corm (part in the ground) or you kill the plant. The heavy leaves may need support their first year. Individuals are usually solitary, though many can be found in small areas.

Precautions & Uses: The corm is poisonous unless properly boiled. The Native Americans used to boil and eat it as food, but I would not advise it unless done under proper guidance. Klimas & Cunningham (1974) reports that crystals of calcium oxalate made the plant an ideal pepper substitute and sore throat and bronchitis pain reliever.

Soil Preferences: pH: 6.0-8.0

References: Swink & Wilhelm 121, Peatti 104-5, Peterson & McKinney 368-9, Wampler & Wampler 14, Klimas & Cunningham pt28.

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