Jack-in-the-pulpits are generally between 1-2½′ (38-76 cm) high. The flowers on this plant are small,
in the form of a spadix, a small column with tiny flowers. They are covered by a hood, from which the name is derived.
Identification: The flower spike can be several inches in length,
appearing in April to May. The
hood (called the spadix) has zebra-like stripes on the inside. The leaves are in groups of three, looking
somewhat like poison ivy leaves. The flowers turn to berries that become bright red in the fall.
Edibility: Poisonous. Jack-in-the-pulpit contains calcium oxalate
and asparagine. The former causes a burning sensation. A few American Indian cultures may have
processed this plant to remove its toxins and consumed it, though.
Normally, the top portion (spadix) is longer, hiding the spathe within. Something isn’t quite right with this plant, so we can peek inside. · 5/27/2016 · Acton Arboretum, Acton, Massachusetts
10/2/2010 · Raymondskill Falls, Delaware Water Gap National Recr, Pennsylvania · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 13 cm)
9/20/2009 · Wild Gardens of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 17 × 12″ (44 × 29 cm)