Jack-in-the-pulpit

Images

Click on image to view full size

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit leaflets

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Morphology

Stem

Corm

Leaves

Palmately compound, 1-3; stalk 10-24 inches; leaflets 3, entire, ovate to elliptic, 2.4 to 8.8 inches long, 1.2 to 5.6 inches wide, tapering to points, slightly waxy, lower surface paler than upper.

Inflorescence

Spadix (fleshy spike of small, crowded flowers), finger-like, 2 to 3 inches long, arising on stalk adjacent to leaves; stalk 1.2 to 8 inches long, shorter than leaf stalks; spathe 3.6 to 10 inches long, surrounding or partially enclosing spadix; inner surface of spathe often purple to brownish-red with yellow parallel veins or sometimes wholly green; spathe tip arching over spadix.

Flower

Pistillate flowers tiny, yellow, basal on spadix; stigma short, broad; staminate flowers above pistillate; stamens 2-5, nearly sessile.

Fruit

Berries, fleshy, spherical, 1/5 to 1/4 inch long, red, in conspicuous dense clusters; seeds 1-3.

Ecology

Habitat

Moist to intermittently dry deciduous woods, thickets, bases of moist, protected bluffs.

Distribution

East 1/3 of Kansas

Practical Information

Toxicity

The plant contains microscopic calcium oxalate crystals that cause contact irritation. If consumed, the crystals cause burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat.

Forage Value

Seldom eaten by livestock due to toxicity.

Uses

Native Americans made a poultice of the root and used it externally to treat headaches, skin boils and abscesses, bruises, lameness, and rattlesnake bites. The roots were also boiled and the liquid used as a wash for sore eyes and as a gargle for sore throats. However, it was not swallowed because it was considered poisonous. The root was finely chopped and added to meat as a means to poison enemies. It is said that the roots can be eaten after drying or cooking them.

Additional Notes