ExplorePlants

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Arisaema triphyllum

Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a unique plant with a tall, green hood that looks like a little tent. It grows in shady forests and has a special flower that attracts curious insects.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Jack-in-the-Pulpit has a unique flower structure, featuring a hooded, often striped 'pulpit' (spathe) that arches over a central column, the 'jack' (spadix). Its large, green trifoliate leaves, resembling a three-part umbrella, emerge distinctively from the forest floor.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAlismatalesFamilyAraceaeGenusArisaema
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
aromatic trait badgebell_shaped_flower trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badge
Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient people used to dry and prepare its root for months to make it edible!

Its 'flower' actually makes its own heat, attracting flies like a warm invitation!

The plant's red berries are shiny and taste like spicy fire if eaten raw!

This amazing plant can live for many decades, possibly even a century underground!

Special abilities

Ability

Gender Bender

Jack-in-the-Pulpit can change sex from male to female (and back!) as it grows, helping it adapt to resources.

Ability

Insect Trap

Jack-in-the-Pulpit has a clever hooded structure that temporarily traps small flies, helping it get pollinated.

Ability

Toxic Shield

Jack-in-the-Pulpit produces irritating calcium oxalate crystals, protecting it from being eaten by most animals.

Measurements & details

Height
30-60 cm
Spread
20-40 cm
Flower Size
5-20 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Fungus Gnat

Bradysia impatiens

Attracted and temporarily trapped by the unique spathe.

eats

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

Feasts on its bright red, late-season berries.

eats

White-footed Mouse

Peromyscus leucopus

May dig up and consume the underground corms.

eats

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Enjoys the plant's distinctive, ripe red berries.

Traits

Also known as

Brown DragonIndian Turnip

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Don't touch the berries or leaves, as they can be harmful if eaten.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Jack-in-the-Pulpit?

30-60 cm

How wide does Jack-in-the-Pulpit spread?

20-40 cm

How big are the flowers on Jack-in-the-Pulpit?

5-20 cm

When does Jack-in-the-Pulpit bloom?

Spring

Is Jack-in-the-Pulpit edible?

No

Is Jack-in-the-Pulpit toxic?

Moderate

What is Jack-in-the-Pulpit's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Jack-in-the-Pulpit pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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