Jack in the Pulpit

Arisaema triphyllum

A familiar sight in the woodlands of eastern North America, Jack in the Pulpit arrives on the scene in May, in Wisconsin. The intriguing bloom consists of a green and brown striped hood that conceals a spadix, or jack, covered in numerous tiny …

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Plants Bare Root
1-4 $8.99 ea.
5+ $7.99 ea.
Availability: In stock
SKU
31170-BR
Cultural Details
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Moisture Medium, Moist
Sun Exposure Partial, Shade
Height 1' - 2'
Bloom Color Green
Bloom Time Apr, May, June
Spacing 6" - 1'
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Root Type Corm
Benefits Birds

A familiar sight in the woodlands of eastern North America, Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) arrives on the scene in May, in Wisconsin. The intriguing bloom consists of a green and brown striped hood that conceals a spadix - or jack - covered in numerous tiny green to purple flowers. The unusual flower gives way to a cluster of bright red berries in late summer, which may be eaten by birds and mammals.

Unique and easy to grow, Jack in the Pulpit can be grown in any rich soil in the shade and requires very little care, other than keeping the plants covered with a thick layer of leaves over the winter.

Arisaema triphyllum plants can be either male or female and they can change sex from year to year, depending upon the success of reproduction the previous year. Males plants - usually smaller than female plants - have a small hole at the bottom of the spathe which allows pollinators to escape more easily. Female plants lack the hole and pollinators are more likely to become trapped, leading to more successful pollination.

Planting and Cultivation Notes
Leave the leaves! This woodland species appreciates a generous covering of leaves in the fall – it is not necessary to shred the leaves. We recommend planting ephemerals – which we offer in bare root format – in early fall while the soil is still warm, or in early spring. Spring installations will have some time to develop before summer dormancy, but most likely they will not produce flowers the first year. An early fall planting allows the roots time to establish properly before winter, and gives the plants a stronger start the following spring.