Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the Pulpit)

Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the Pulpit) is a charming tuberous perennial boasting some of the most curious flowers in the plant kingdom. The blossoms consist of a deep purple to green spathe (hood), adorned with a few purple stripes, that conceals a spadix (jack) covered with tiny green to purple flowers. They bloom for a couple of weeks from mid to late spring, although the spadix and spathe remain attractive for a longer period of time. This spring woodland wildflower bears two large, glossy leaves divided into three leaflets, which rise at the top of their own stems. Native to eastern North America, Arisaema triphyllum is noted for its ability to change gender. Starting out bearing male flowers only on the spadix, the plant spontaneously changes to female the next year and vice versa. Clustered on the spadix, smooth, shiny green berries ripen in mid to late summer and turn a bright red color, attracting birds and mammals before the plants go dormant. A most satisfying plant for the woodland garden, it is easy to grow, requires very little care, and produces new tubers in abundance. The entire plant contains crystals of calcium oxalate and is poisonous.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, medium to wet soils in partial shade to full shade. Appreciates a generous application of leaf mulch in the fall.
• Best left undisturbed in the shady woodland garden, wild garden or native plant garden. Plant in groups of a dozen or more.
• Virtually disease and pest free, Jack in the Pulpit is also deer-resistant.
• Propagate by root division or seed. Seedlings need three or more years of growth before they become large enough to flower.
• Native to eastern North America