Tips on How To Divide Perennial Plants

Jack In The Pulpit

Jack In The Pulpit Is a woodland perennial known for its distinctive, hood-like spathe that covers a spiky, upright structure called the spadix, and it features two or three large leaves, typically found in shaded, damp environments. Jack in the Pulpit (Ariseama triphyllum), also known as the "Indian turnip," is an unusual spring wildflower with striped, hooded green blooms. This eye-catching plant makes a beautiful and unique addition to shady gardens. Habitat Of Jack in the Pulpit It is a native plant that grows in moist woodlands, oak-hickory forests, and tree-filled swamps in eastern and central North America. This perennial can live 25 years or more, and it will spread and colonize over time. Appearance Of Jack in the Pulpit As individuals grow, they will sprout one or two leaves, each of which splits into three leaflets that spread out from their stalks. The plants can rise to a height of one to three feet. Their characteristic bloom appears on a separate stalk between April and June. Its spathe, or "pulpit," is a green hooded cylindrical structure with a maroon-to-brown striped interior that surrounds and conceals its spadix, or "Jack." When you look inside the spathe, you can see tiny greenish-purple flowers at its base. After they bloom, they go dormant or become hermaphroditic. In late summer, usually during August and early September, a cylindrical cluster of bright red berries will form on the pollinated flower stalk. Adding Jack in the Pulpit to Your Garden When adding them to your landscape, it helps to plant them in a setting that will mimic their natural habitat, like a woodland garden or boggy area. When conditions are right, they will naturalize and form small colonies. It makes the greatest impact when it's planted in clusters and surrounded by ferns, wildflowers, and hostas. When it goes dormant in the summer, you can fill in the bare soil that surrounds it with annuals like impatiens. Ecology Of Jack in the Pulpit When red berries appear on your plants in late summer, they may attract birds and small mammals to your garden. Thrushes and wild turkeys will eat the plant's fruits, which have a tomato-like consistency. Jack in the Pulpit Add Intrigue to Your Garden If you're looking to add a unique flower to your garden that's sure to be a conversation starter, consider planting them. These classic wildflowers will add a touch of mystery to your landscape and delight your eyes for years to come.