Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum 10 Seeds USA Company
Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum 10 Seeds USA Company
Arisaema triphyllum, commonly known as Jack-in-the-Pulpit, is a captivating plant native to North America. Here’s a closer look at its characteristics:
Physical Description
Height: Ranges from 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm).
Leaves: Features a distinctive trifoliate leaf arrangement, typically with three broad, ovate to lanceolate leaflets. The leaflets have a smooth or slightly toothed margin and are arranged on a single petiole.
Flower Structure: The plant’s inflorescence consists of a spathe, a large, hood-like bract that envelops the flower. The spathe is green to brownish and has a tubular or funnel shape, resembling a preacher's pulpit, hence the name "Jack-in-the-Pulpit." Inside the spathe is the spadix, a spiky, cylindrical structure that bears the flowers.
Fruit: After flowering, it produces bright red berries clustered on a spike, which are visually striking but toxic if consumed.
Habitat and Growing Conditions
Natural Habitat: Found in moist, shaded environments such as deciduous forests, woodland edges, and along stream banks.
Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Light: Thrives in low to medium light conditions, typically under the canopy of trees.
Ecological Role
Pollination: The plant attracts specific pollinators, such as beetles and flies, with its distinctive spathe. The shape and coloration of the spathe help to attract these insects.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic.
Cultivation and Care
Planting: Arisaema triphyllum can be grown in garden settings that mimic its natural habitat. It prefers moist, shaded areas and can be grown from seeds or tubers.
Care: It’s relatively low-maintenance once established but benefits from regular moisture and protection from direct sunlight. In colder climates, it may need protection from harsh winter conditions.
Overall, Jack-in-the-Pulpit is admired for its unique and intriguing appearance, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts interested in adding an unusual touch to their shaded gardens.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 2-3 months.
The seeds like rich, moist soil. Fill a pot with potting soil.
Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Water the container.
Put the pot in a moist, shady location.
Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.