Jack in the Pulpit - Arisaema triphyllum

Also known as "Indian Turnip" this perennial prefers shaded, wet woodlands. Species has two stemmed, tri-parted leaves that have no gloss. The flower is singular, hooded and grows between the two stems. In late summer the flower dies back to reveal the berries with are green at first but turn red by early autumn. (1)

 

Jack in the Pulpit blooms from April through June and is a member of the arum family. the root is edible but due to a natural compound is peppery to the taste and burns the mouth. If cooked this compound if broken down and the peppery taste goes away. (2)

 

Aside from the plant's value as a food source, the Chippewa made a medicine of the plant to relieve sore eyes and the berries were commonly used to make red dye (3).

 

(1) Mathews, F. Schuyler : "Fieldbook of American Wildflowers" : 1902 Putnam's and Sons New York, NY

(2) Niering, William A: "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Flowers" ; 1979 Alfred A Knopf, New York, NY

(3) Retrived from: www.nativetech.org/plantgath/jackpulp.htm

 

 

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