JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT, Arisaema triphyllum

May

Photo by Sue J. Avery

Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a spectacular plant common in moist woods. It grows one to three feet high. The flower consists of a green- and purple-striped canopy over a spathe or “Jack,” pollinated by fungus gnats to produce a bunch of bright red berries in fall. Also known as Indian turnip, Native Americans used the root as a vegetable, which is edible when dried and cooked. Leaves and fruit contain calcium oxalate that can irritate and blister the skin.

More information

US Department of Agriculture

Wikipedia

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center