Jack-in-the-pulpit – Arisaema triphyllum

 

Nomenclature:

  • Arisaema triphyllum
  • Family: Arum (Araceae)

 

Botany and Ecosystems:

  • Habitat: moist woods, swamps
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Flower size: actual flowers are tiny; "pulpit" structure (a spathe) is 3-4 inches high
  • Flower color: green, sometimes streaked with red-brown
  • Flowering time: April to June
  • Has red berries that ripen in late summer or early fall
  • Distribution:
    • United States: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
    • Canada: MB, NB, NS, ON, PE, QC

 

Uses:

  • Edible:
    • Roots can be consumed but must be dried or cooked in order to neutralize toxins
  • Medicinal:
    • Fresh root is too dangerous to consume and dried roots become inactive so fresh, partially dried foots are used
    • Roots act as an antiseptic, diaphoretic, expectorant, irritant, and a stimulant
  • Other:
    • Starch for clothing but is very hard on hands causing swelling and blistering
    • Seeds can be used in rattles

 

Conservation:

 

Markets and Vendors:

 

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