Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Distinctive perennial reaching 30-90 cm tall. Features compound three-part leaves and unique hooded flower (spathe) in spring, followed by bright red berries on female plants. Grows from deep corm in rich, moist woodland soils and shade. Forms small colonies slowly through offsets. Architecturally striking specimen for woodland gardens. Native to eastern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Green and Purple (spathe)
Bloom Time: Late Spring
Sun Requirements: Part-Shade to Shade
Moisture: Moist-Drained
Phenology: Emerges from corm April-May. Distinctive hooded spathe appears May-June. Bright red berries develop on female plants August-September. Leaves turn yellow and senesce October. Corm remains dormant through winter.
Wildlife Value: Berries eaten by birds (particularly thrushes) which disperse seeds; provides unique architectural interest in woodland gardens; important component of rich forest ecosystems
Habit Over Time: Grows as individual plants from corms. May produce offsets creating small colonies over time. Plants can change sex from male to female as corms mature and grow larger.
Height: Medium (1-3 feet)