Arisaema triphyllum

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)Arum Family A fascinating plant to stop and sit with for a time. The “Jack”, or spadix, is hooded by the green & purple striped spathe (pulpit)–it can have male, female, or rarely both flower structures. It can switch genders annually based on how much energy is stored in its corm (root structure) the previous year–a good year will produce a female plant with fruit set. Fruit emerges as bright red berries clustered like grapes on a stalk that will persist into the winter if the birds don’t eat them all.  Blooms: 4-6 weeks March-MayLeaves: 1-2, large, green leaves divided into three leaflets Height: 1-3’ Space: 1-2’Soil: Moist-Average, Rich Exposure: Shade-morning sunFauna: Fly pollinated, fruit for birdsDeer Resistance: HighZone: 3-9Seeds: Bright red berries clustered on a tall stalkNative Status: NC native, common across the stateProvenance: North Carolina Ecotype, seed grown