Jack In The Pulpit
Arisaema triphyllumfam. Araceae
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Pl. E725 — Arisaema triphyllum
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IOverview
Overview
Jack In The Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, found in moist, shaded areas from Alabama and Arkansas to Quebec and Virginia. Known for its edible root and ornamental value, this plant features distinctive three-lobed leaves that give way to an intriguing spadix hidden within the hood-like spathe, resembling a preacher hiding in his pulpit. It thrives in light to full shade, with moist soil and a pH range of 4.8–7, making it suitable for gardens where it can grow up to 0.6 meters tall.
Quick answers
What is Jack In The Pulpit?
Jack In The Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, found in moist, shaded areas from Alabama and Arkansas to Quebec and Virginia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Jack In The Pulpit thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.8 and 7. It is hardy in zones 4-9 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. For best results, plant it where it receives light to full sun depending on the specific conditions; partial shade is ideal for hotter climates. Propagate via division or seed. Harvest the edible root during fall after flowering.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Jack In The Pulpit for the first time
8steps
Start with Jack In The Pulpit as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Jack In The Pulpit bulbs or corms, potting soil, container if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Jack In The Pulpit in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix with light (sandy) to medium texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep, spacing them about 6-10 inches apart in the garden or container.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun to full shade, keep soil moist, and mulch around plants in winter for protection.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage after flowering to maintain a neat appearance. Do not harvest roots as they are used for propagation.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch in winter.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Jack In The Pulpit's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, the root is dug up and either cooked or dried before consumption. It is often boiled to remove toxic compounds before being eaten. SKIP
Other uses:CraftingStarch
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Araceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Araceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e7257c25-c215-45cd-98a2-bdb98dd7457d
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