Arisaema triphyllum aka Jack In The Pulpit

Arisaema triphyllum, also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, is a unique flowering plant belonging to the Araceae family. This species is a part of the Arisaema triphyllum complex, which includes four or five closely-related taxa found in eastern North America. The name triphyllum refers to the characteristic feature of the plant, which is its three-leaved structure. In addition to Jack-in-the-pulpit, it is also known as Indian turnip, bog onion, and brown dragon. The plant has a fascinating growth habit with a tall stalk, or spadix, inside a hooded cup, or spathe. The true flowers are small, green, or yellow-tinged dots that line the spadix, while the entire structure is surrounded by large, three-lobed leaves that often conceal the spathe. In late summer or fall, the spathe falls off, and the flowers give way to bright red berries, which are mainly grown for decorative purposes. Jack-in-the-pulpit grows 1-2 feet tall and takes five years to flower. It thrives in fertile, medium to wet soil in part shade to full shade and requires constantly moist soil rich in organic matter. The roots contain calcium oxalate, which makes them poisonous. Arisaema triphyllum sensu lato is common throughout most of its range, covering eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Manitoba in eastern Canada and from Texas to Florida in the southern United States. It is a spring woodland wildflower that offers a unique and intriguing addition to any garden.