Common Name: Jack in the Pulpit

Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum

Family: Araceae

Habitat: Woodlands

Native: Yes

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Time: Spring

Height: Up to 2 feet

Light: Partial shade to full shade

Soil: Moist, Well drained

Pollinators: Birds

Other: Highly poisonous

Description: One of the most interesting wildflowers at Creasey Mahan, known as Jack in the Pulpit, is a native perennial that can be identified by its dark purple spadix (or “jack”) surrounded by a hooded, green and dark purple striped spathe (or “pulpit”). Jack in the Pulpit can be found colonizing in deep woodlands where there is deep shade and rich, moist soil. Although Jack in the Pulpit is fascinating to look at, beware! It is highly toxic if ingested. This photo of a Jack in the Pulpit was taken on the Sycamore Crest trail at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.