Jack-in-the-Pulpit: a Unique Perennial for Shade

Virtues: We love jack-in-the-pulpit for its striking and bizarre flower structure, which gives rise to its common name. This perennial also offers visual interest after its spring flowers fade.

Common name: Jack-in-the-pulpit

Botanical name:Arisaema triphyllum

Flowers: In spring through early summer, a bright green spadix (a vertical spike-like structure) will bloom with an abundance of tiny, green to purple flowers. It is encased by a vibrant green spathe that is often streaked with a hue of reddish-purple. As the spathe begins to wither away, clusters of radiant red toxic berries are revealed and remain throughout summer and sometimes early fall.

Foliage: These odd perennials have two large green leaves, with each leaf containing three smaller leaflets, giving these plants a lush charm.

Habit: Jack-in-the-pulpit has an upright habit 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide.

Season: These peculiar plants offer eye-catching displays throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.

Origin: Midwest and East regions of North America.

How to grow Arisaema triphyllum: Jack-in-the-pulpit will grow successfully in most moist, well-drained soils but thrives in soil high in organic matter. Make sure to add plenty of compost or peat moss when planting. These intriguing plants are most successful in part to full shade. USDA Zones 4–9.

Image: public domain
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