Arisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum (a-RIS-aye-ma try-FY-lum)
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Our native Jack-in-the-pulpit is hardier and taller than the showy non-native Jack-in-the-pulpit (A. sikokianum). A. triphyllum can be found throughout forests of the North Eastern United States. Look for it emerging in early spring to take advantage of the still open forest canopy along creek beds.
The inconspicuous flowers are borne on a greenish-brown spadix that is hooded by a green spathe that bears purple striped accents on its hood. To add to its appeal, Jack-in-the-pulpit provides interest to a shade garden long after its foliage has fallen with a fruit that is comprised of numerous little berries.
Mary Vaux Walcott [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Occasionally the foliage can be mistaken for Trillium, however, Trillium leaves are much broader and the venation lacks the border effect of Arisaema. Jack-in-the-pulpit is mainly dioecious(male and female reproductive parts on different plants), however, each plant can change gender the following growing season if successful reproduction is favored by different reproductive parts. Another interesting fact about A. triphyllum is the hole on the bottom of the male spathe that allows pollinators to escape with the pollen, further increasing the chances of the female plant being pollinated.
Arisaema triphyllum spathe and spadix
Origin:
Arisaema – A reference to the Arum family and haima as in blood, that speaks to the red blotches some species bear.
triphyllum – Greek tri, meaning 3, and phyllon, meaning leaf.
Family – Aracaea
Nativity – E. North America
Hardiness – USDA Zones 4-9
Description:
Form – Herbaceous perennial with 1-2 leaves that are dissected into 3 leaflets. Forms clumps and is a tuberous rooted, stemless plant reaching a height between 1′-3′.
Foliage – Most often two leaves with three leaflets are produced. Petioles reach 1′ and elongate after flowering. Leaves emerge after the flower. The male will have one leaf while the female two. Oval leaflets can reach 7″ and block the flower. Foliage is susceptible to late frost and dormancy in late summer.
Flower – The unassuming flowers are borne on a spadix that is hooded by a green spathe which exhibits purple striping on its top.
Fruit – Fruit consists of small berries on an erect spike in late fall.
Arisaema triphyllum fruit
Culture:
Light – Partial shade
Soil – Moist woodland soil
Propagation – Seed or division of young offshoots in early spring.
Problems – Asian species can harbor rust and infect the native Jack.
Utilization – Perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, and as an accent plant for its flower and fruit.
Comments – A welcomed sight on any hike in my home state of Pennsylvania and throughout the Eastern United States.
Other Notable Species – A. dracontium is the other native species.
Cultivars:
A. triphyllum ‘Mrs. French’
A. triphyllum ‘Starburst’
A. triphyllum ‘Black Jack’
♥ Browse these and other Arisaema species and cultivars at Plant Delights Nursery.
