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Clemmons, North Carolina

 

Jack in the Pulpit
(Arisaema triphyllum)
Jack in the Pulpit is also known as Indian Turnip.

The most distinctive feature of the jack-in-the-pulpit is its hooded flower, but it can often be overlooked as being just another leaf, as it is mostly viewed from the top.  However, the three pointed leaflets of the palmate leaf atop a stem in close proximity to the "pulpit" make it stand out on the floor of moist woods and thickets.  Sometimes, as in this picture, there will be two 3-fingered leaves forming a "V".

Requirements:

  • Soil Type - humus rich sandy loam
  • Soil pH - Neutral
  • Water - Moist
  • Light - Full - partial shade

Characteristics:Jack in the Pulpit

  • Height - 1 - 3 ft.
  • Time of Bloom - April - June
  • Flower colors - green, purple-brown
  • Propagation - seed
  • Transplants - fair