Perennial - Jack in the pulpit

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Botanical Name

:

Arisaema triphyllum

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in autumn or spring; blooms in spring

Sun Level

:

Partial shade to full shade

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

55–65°F (13–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

14–20 days

P.H. Level

:

5.0–6.5 (acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins

Habit

:

Upright

Propagation

:

Division (in spring or fall), sometimes by seed

Final Plant Height

:

1–2 ft

Spread

:

1–2 ft

Flowers

:

Unusual, hooded flowers with a greenish-yellow spathe (the “pulpit”) and a dark purple spadix (the “jack”)

Attracts

:

Birds

Uses

:

Ornamental (shade gardens, woodland gardens, naturalized areas), medicinal (historically used by Native Americans, but caution is advised due to toxicity)

Companions

:

Hostas, ferns, astilbe, bleeding heart (Dicentra)

Pruning

:

Remove faded flower stalks after blooming. Cut back any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring

Toxicity

:

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The toxicity is reduced after cooking, but consumption is still not recommended

Pests

:

Virtually pest-free

Diseases

:

Virtually disease-free

Fun Fact

:

The name “Jack-in-the-pulpit” comes from the shape of the flower, which resembles a preacher in a pulpit

Botanical Name

:

Arisaema triphyllum

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in autumn or spring; blooms in spring

Sun Level

:

Partial shade to full shade

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

55–65°F (13–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

14–20 days

P.H. Level

:

5.0–6.5 (acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins

Habit

:

Upright

Propagation

:

Division (in spring or fall), sometimes by seed

Final Plant Height

:

1–2 ft

Spread

:

1–2 ft

Flowers

:

Unusual, hooded flowers with a greenish-yellow spathe (the “pulpit”) and a dark purple spadix (the “jack”)

Attracts

:

Birds

Uses

:

Ornamental (shade gardens, woodland gardens, naturalized areas), medicinal (historically used by Native Americans, but caution is advised due to toxicity)

Companions

:

Hostas, ferns, astilbe, bleeding heart (Dicentra)

Pruning

:

Remove faded flower stalks after blooming. Cut back any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring

Toxicity

:

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The toxicity is reduced after cooking, but consumption is still not recommended

Pests

:

Virtually pest-free

Diseases

:

Virtually disease-free

Fun Fact

:

The name “Jack-in-the-pulpit” comes from the shape of the flower, which resembles a preacher in a pulpit

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/