Arisaema triphylla
Jack-in-the-pulpit
- Hardiness: Zone :
- 3
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Geography:
- Native
- Light:
- Shade/Part Sun, Shade
- Growth Rate:
- Moderate
- Moisture:
- Saturated to Moist, Moderately Wet to Moderately Dry
- Container Sizes:
- 4", 1-gallon
- Mature Height:
- 2'
- Mature Spread:
- 1'
Most people know this one from time spent in the woods. Found in a range of habitats, but generally on the forest floor of rich moist woods, and along swamp margins. Mature plants bear 2 leaves, each with 3 parts (leaflets), and the cleft where the two leaves diverge is where the peculiar 'flower' emerges. The flowering parts are actually a club of male and female flowers separated along the stumpy axis (spadix) that's shrouded by the mottled and striated sheath, or spathe. The whole effect is a bit eerie but drop-dead gorgeous as well. Most kids seem to rememer this one from an early age if they grew up near woods. Flowers are followed by red fruits that light up the forest in late summer. Overwinters as a corm, and self-sows pretty easily. Protect from wind in the garden.
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Article: The Plantsmen Nursery